How Long Does It Take Gum Grafting to Heal?
When gums recede, the root of the tooth becomes exposed, which often makes the tooth sensitive to cold or hot. Gum recession may be caused by periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, or in some cases genetic predisposition. If your gums have recessed significantly, you may require a gum graft at Periodontic Associates of Port Huron procedure.
There are generally three types of grafts that can be performed, which are the connective tissue graft, free gingival graft, and soft tissue allograft (donor tissue). Most grafts that are performed are the soft tissue allograft, which does not involve taking tissue from your palate. The tissue is stitched under your natural gum tissue over multiple areas to cover the exposed roots. Because local anesthetics will be applied, you will not experience any pain while the grafting procedure is being performed, however once the procedure is complete and the anesthesia has worn off, you will likely experience some swelling and mild discomfort for a few days along with some bruising.
Following your gum grafting procedure, you will be able to go home, although you may need to arrange for someone to drive you home if certain types of sedation were used as part of your procedure. Before leaving, your dentist will detail postoperative care instructions, which may include medications you will need to take, a modified diet plan, oral hygiene modifications, and what type of physical activities can be performed and when. It is essential to follow these aftercare instructions as closely as possible to avoid complications and have a fast healing process.
Following a traditional gum grafting procedure, most pain or discomfort will alleviate within two to four days and the graft should be completely healed within one month to three months. If donor material is used, the healing process will be longer but with less discomfort. It is important to practice proper oral hygiene habits during this recovery period. Do not brush or floss the surgical area until it has fully healed, as doing so will increase your risk of developing an infection or of opening the wound. If prescribed an antimicrobial mouthwash, use as directed in order to avoid plaque buildup and infections. Pain medication may be prescribed to help you manage your discomfort, along with antibiotic treatment to reduce your risk of developing an infection. If you are not prescribed pain medication and experiencing excessive discomfort, take OTC pain medications such as Aleve. It is also important that you have at least 72 hours following your procedure where you will not need to exert excess energy. It is also a good idea to avoid strenuous activities or vigorous exercise until you have been cleared to do so.
By following these and any additional aftercare instructions closely, you will experience less discomfort and recover faster. Once your graft has fully healed, you can resume all normal activities and return to your standard oral hygiene routine.