One of the unfortunate consequences of gum disease is that it can cause your gum tissue to recede, exposing the roots of your teeth. Gum tissue that was lost cannot grow back; as such, in order to repair the damage, your periodontist may recommend a gum grafting procedure. But will it be painful? Here’s what you need to know about the treatment so that you can start preparing yourself now.
How Does Gum Grafting Work?
The idea behind a gum graft is simple: tissue is taken from elsewhere inside your mouth and transplanted to the areas where recession has occurred. This ensures that your tooth roots are once again properly protected, and it helps your gumline look even again.
The most common type of gum graft is connective tissue graft. The tissue used for this procedure is taken from a flap made in the roof of your mouth. Once the tissue in question has been removed, it will be carefully stitched to the area where it’s needed.
Will Gum Grafting Hurt?
Rest assured that your periodontist will make it their goal to help you remain as comfortable as possible while you are having gum grafting performed. A local anesthetic will be applied in order to keep your mouth numb. You therefore won’t have to worry about pain during the procedure itself.
There will likely be some discomfort in the days following your gum graft. It will eventually go away on its own, but nevertheless, you can take steps to manage it while your mouth is healing.
How Can You Manage Your Discomfort After a Gum Graft?
Here are some ways to keep your post-operative discomfort under control following a gum grafting procedure.
- Get plenty of rest; don’t engage in any type of strenuous exercise for at least 3 to 7 days.
- Leave the surgical site alone. Do not touch it with your fingers or tongue.
- Do not brush your teeth for a full day after the surgery. When you resume brushing, be sure to avoid the area where the grafting was performed for at least a month.
- Be mindful of your diet. Plan on only eating soft foods for the next 7 days. Particularly hot foods and beverages should be avoided entirely.
Don’t let the notion of discomfort discourage you from pursuing a gum graft; the procedure will be well worth it in the long run once your oral health is back on track. And if you follow the instructions that your periodontist provides, you should be able to keep your discomfort to a minimum during the recovery period.
About the Practice
At Cranford Center for Periodontics & Dental Implants, we help our patients restore the health and aesthetics of their grins with a variety of specialized periodontal treatments. We can use gum grafting to cover the parts of your smile exposed by gum disease. To schedule a consultation at our office, visit our website or call (908) 709-6777.