Are you awake for a gum graft?

The Gum Graft Procedure

A gum graft is an easy procedure. You will receive sedatives so you will not feel any pain or discomfort during the process. You may receive local anesthesia that keeps you awake while numbing your gums. Your dentist will then extract some tissue from your mouth.

Do they put you to sleep for a gum graft?

Before starting the gum graft, the periodontist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area so that the procedure does not hurt. They may also lift some of the existing gum away to expose the root of the tooth and clean it.

Is gum grafting painful?

The actual gum grafting procedure is painless. This is because a local anesthetic is used to numb the affected area. A periodontist, who is a dental specialist in gum disease and the gums, typically performs this procedure. You may instead feel some movement or pressure as your periodontist performs the procedure.

How long does gum graft surgery take?

Gum grafting is a surgical process that allows a dental professional to take gum tissue from the roof of a patient's mouth and add it to areas that are receding. Patients are given a local anesthetic and the entire process is done in about 90 minutes.

How long does it take to recover from a gum graft?

Gum grafting recovery

Healing usually is quick. Most patients are fully healed in just one to two weeks. Most people do return to work the day after their procedure though. After gum grafting, your teeth may feel more sensitive than usual.

GUM GRAFT SURGERY | What It Feels Like

Can I smile after gum graft?

But gum surgery could alter your smile even more effectively. Though your teeth show more prominently when you smile, your gums play a larger part than you may imagine. The balance between tooth and gum must be correct, or your smile will appear to be slightly off.

Is gum graft surgery worth it?

Gum grafting is a highly safe and effective procedure; it has been tested and proven successful in treating countless cases of receding and thinning gums due to aggressive brushing and gum disease. Still, complications and infections may occur, especially without proper post-op care.

Can I talk after gum graft surgery?

Avoid Talking (As Much As Possible)

Talking causes your mouth's muscles to stretch, which, in turn, can loosen up the gauze and increase the chances of bleeding. Refraining from speaking is hard, but try to remain silent as much as possible for the first two to three days after gum grafting surgery.

How do you prepare for a gum graft?

Can I go to work after gum graft surgery?

While it may take a week or two for your mouth to fully heal, you should be able to return to work or normal activity the day after surgery.

Is a gum graft worse than wisdom teeth?

If you've had your wisdom teeth removed or a root canal, the thought of having any other oral surgery may seem daunting. But if you've been told by your dentist or periodontist that you need a gum graft surgery, you can relax a little — it sounds far worse than it is.

What is gum graft surgery like?

In a gum graft, your periodontist first removes a piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth or from nearby healthy gum tissue. They next attach it to the area where your gums have worn away. This procedure is relatively quick, and you can leave as soon as it's done.

What can you eat after a gum graft?

For two or three days following a gum graft, eat soft and unsticky foods. Eat lots of things like warm (not hot) oatmeal, cream of wheat cereal, eggs, yogurt, pasta, smoothies (not too cold), and mashed potatoes that have cooled slightly. Jello is another ideal option.

What kind of sedation is used for a gum graft?

In a gum graft procedure, local anesthesia (aka “novacaine”), will be used to numb the areas. The use of Sedatives as an anti-anxiety medication are typically taken in pill form or through an IV drip and are used to help patients relax.

Can you ask to be put to sleep for dental work?

The short answer to this question is 'Yes', your dentist can put you to sleep for treatment. However, a technique known as 'conscious sedation' has replaced general anaesthesia in modern dentistry.

Do they use anesthesia for gum surgery?

Local anesthesia is a numbing medication that is injected directly into the area that is about to be treated, usually the gums around an affected tooth. Local anesthesia is typically used during a minor surgery that can be done quickly, such as a cavity filling.

How much does a gum graft cost?

Cost of Gum Graft Surgery

The base cost of a gum graft can be between $600 and $1200 per tooth. A periodontist is a specialist so is likely to have a higher fee. Donor tissue is more expensive than tissue that is harvested from the roof of your mouth.

Do I have to fast before gum graft surgery?

You must not have anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure – not even a cup of coffee. If you take daily oral medications, you may take them with one small sip of water.

How often do gum grafts fail?

Success or failure of graft will be determined by the periodontist or the operating surgeon. Failure happens in less than 2% of cases.

How do you sleep after a gum graft?

Sleep somewhat inclined For the first 2 nights after the procedure, sleep in a recliner chair or with your head propped up with some pillows. A recliner is better. If you keep your head above your heart level for the first 2 days, it will significantly cut down on post-op swelling.

How long after gum graft can I brush my teeth?

Protection of the gum graft is VERY IMPORTANT to ensure a successful “take” of the procedure. CARE OF MOUTH: DO NOT brush or floss in the graft site for TEN days after surgery. Then you may begin gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush for another two to four days and finally return to normal brushing.

Do gum grafts look natural?

The gum grafts rarely looked natural, even after they had healed, and the whole process was very uncomfortable and painful for the patient.

How long does your mouth hurt after gum graft?

For patients who are not using donor grafting material, the healing process typically takes around 7-10 days, although most pain and discomfort should begin to alleviate and disappear within 2-4 days.

Is a gum graft covered by insurance?

Gum grafting is generally covered by insurance plan; however, every patient's plan will have different levels of coverage and out of pocket expenses.

Are antibiotics necessary after gum graft?

Antibiotics are only indicated following tissue grafting if the tissue source is from a donor. In most cases, the tissue is harvested from the patient so no antibiotic coverage is necessary. Swelling may occur following your surgical procedure and typically peaks approximately 2-3 days after the procedure.