Gum graft surgery restores missing gum tissue, protecting your oral health.
This article explores what’s involved with gum graft surgery and provides helpful hints on recovering afterward.
What Is Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting is an advanced procedure that adds volume to your gums in areas where gum tissue is deficient. It can improve overall health and aesthetics, and treatment has a good success rate. In the longer term, it can help reduce your risk of severe periodontal disease (gum disease).
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Who Performs Gum Grafting Surgery?
Usually, if you require gum grafting, your dentist will refer you to a periodontist, a dental specialist who treats structures around your teeth, including gum tissues. After completing dental school, a periodontist has several years of additional training and will routinely carry out this advanced procedure.
What Will Happen If I Need a Gum Graft?
The first stage is a full periodontal examination, during which your periodontist will assess your gum health and measure the degree of gum recession around your teeth. They will then recommend the most appropriate treatment options and provide a custom treatment plan.
Read more: Preparing for Gum Graft Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide
Where Will the Gum Graft Issue Come from?
Normally, the gum grafting tissue will come from another area in your mouth, and several types of gum graft are available. The type recommended by your periodontist will depend on the amount of gum tissue required, the amount of gum available in your mouth for grafting, and your unique oral health needs.
The different types of gum graft procedures include:
Connective Tissue Grafts
A connective tissue graft is the most common graft used to cover exposed tooth roots. Your periodontist cuts a small flap of skin in the roof of your mouth, called the palate, and removes some tissue from underneath the flap.
The tissue is called sub-epithelial connective tissue and, once removed, is stitched into place over the exposed tooth root. The flap in the roof of your mouth is also stitched shut.
Free Gingival Graft
Like a connective tissue graft, a free gingival graft is also taken from the roof of your mouth. However, the tissue is removed directly from the palate, including the top layer of skin. The graft is stitched into place, and the surgery site in the upper palate is covered with a periodontal dressing to aid healing.
Pedicle Graft
A pedicle graft is less common and requires plenty of healthy gum tissue near the affected tooth. During this treatment, the periodontist creates a flap called a pedicle in the gum nearest the tooth, leaving one edge attached. The gum is then pulled into place and stitched over the exposed tooth root.
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Tissue Bank Graft
While most gum grafts involve using your own oral tissues, some periodontists may use tissue from a tissue bank. They could also use proteins that help stimulate tissue growth and aid healing. If this is the case, your periodontist will discuss this option in more detail.
Any gum grafting procedure should be painless as your periodontist will numb the area treated before they begin. If you feel anxious or nervous, ask about sedation dentistry to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed.
What to Expect During Gum Graft Surgery Recovery
Your recovery after gum graft surgery should be smooth and uneventful. Your periodontist will give you lots of information and instructions on caring for your mouth during healing. Below are five tips to help speed up your recovery.
Controlling Pain and Discomfort
Your periodontist may have prescribed pain medication; if so, take it as directed. Otherwise, over-the-counter pain medication may be adequate to control any discomfort. Taking medication like ibuprofen can be useful because it helps reduce inflammation and swelling.
You will likely have some swelling after surgery. Using ice packs can help control this more easily. You can use a bag of ice or frozen peas wrapped in moist gauze or a cloth. Gently hold the ice pack against the roof of your mouth near the surgery site for up to 5 minutes.
Rest after Surgery
After you receive gum grafting surgery, your periodontist will probably want you to remain at their office for a short while to ensure you are recovering well. Be sure to have a friend or relative with you to take you home.
The first few days after surgery, give yourself plenty of time to recover and take things easy. You shouldn’t do anything too strenuous and shouldn’t exercise during this time. Your periodontist can advise you when it’s safe to resume normal activities.
Choose Nutritious Liquid Foods
Before your gum grafting surgery, your periodontist will discuss which foods to eat immediately afterward so you can stock up beforehand.
The first few days after your surgery, stick to cool soups and smoothies containing plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals. These will help provide plenty of nutrients to speed up healing.
Avoid eating anything too hot, especially with small seeds or nuts that could get stuck in the surgery site. As your gums start to heal, you can gradually introduce soft, easy-to-chew foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and softly cooked eggs.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
Good oral hygiene during healing is essential. Your periodontist will give you clear instructions on how to clean your mouth, as you will need to avoid brushing and flossing around the surgery site.
Your periodontist may prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash or suggest making a saltwater rinse by dissolving a little salt in warm water. When using a mouth rinse, swish it very gently around your mouth and let it fall out rather than spitting it out.
Read more: Why Does It Pain Two Weeks After Your Dental Bone Graft
Choose Vitamin-Rich Foods
As your gums start to heal, make sure you choose plenty of foods rich in vitamins, especially vitamins A and C. Foods rich in vitamin A include kale, carrots, cantaloupe, and spinach. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
While your gums are healing, make sure these foods are blended properly and strained to remove any seeds.
Contact Your Periodontist If You Are Concerned
Gum grafting is a straightforward procedure, and there shouldn’t be any problems during recovery or healing. However, if you are ever concerned, contact your dental office immediately.
Your dental team should be able to answer your questions and set your mind at ease or otherwise schedule an appointment with the periodontist for follow-up dental care.