How painful is a gum graft?

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 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.

How long does it take to do gum graft surgery?

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.

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.

Why does my gum graft hurt so much?

The reason it's more painful is that they harvest the donor tissue from the surface of the roof of the mouth. This leaves the underlying gum tissues completely exposed and therefore in pain. Connective tissue grafting – this procedure is significantly less painful than a free gingival graft.

Do gum grafts hurt? Pain from gum grafting?

Are you awake during gum graft surgery?

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.

Can I talk after gum graft?

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.

Do gum grafts look natural?

I was always unhappy with the gum graft techniques that were taught and used by the majority of periodontists who performed gum grafts. The gum grafts rarely looked natural, even after they had healed, and the whole process was very uncomfortable and painful for the patient.

Is there an alternative to gum grafting?

One of the more popular alternatives to having a traditional gum graft performed is a newer procedure called the Pinhole Surgical Technique. Much like orthoscopic/laparoscopic surgery, this minimally invasive procedure corrects gum recession by making a small hole in your gumline.

How do you prepare for a gum graft?

How long does your mouth hurt after gum graft?

Mild pain was most common, being reported 70.3 percent of the time. Moderate to severe pain was reported 29.7 percent of the time. The average duration of pain for gum grafting surgery was 2 days. Periodontal plastic surgery, which includes gum grafting, was associated with more pain than other procedures.

What is the success rate of gum grafting?

Recovery. The gum grafting procedure has a 90% success rate, therefore patients can feel confident the procedure will benefit them. Recovery from this procedure normally takes 4-6 weeks, during which patients will be asked not to brush or floss near the newly repaired area.

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.

When can I brush after gum graft?

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.

What is the fastest way to heal a gum graft?

Can a gum graft fall off?

How do I know if I have a failed gum graft? Usually, you can tell you have a failed gum graft because you will have a large white patch of white tissue that has come off the tooth. Sometimes it may even look like the gum graft is falling off.

What is the average cost of gum grafting?

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.

Is gum grafting 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.

What happens if gum graft fails?

Rarely, a patient may develop an infection or the graft will fail to integrate with the existing gum tissue. If you notice any bleeding or other fluid oozing from your surgery site, let your doctor know right away so they can begin treatment for a possible infection. If your graft fails, you may require re-treatment.

Are antibiotics necessary after gum graft?

Your dentist may prescribe you some antibiotics to take for the first week to 10 days of your recovery. Infection is a very big concern when dealing with the mouth, and a gum graft does open the door for such an infection. The antibiotics will help keep you healthy while you heal.

Does gum graft Change smile?

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.

Are you put to sleep for a dental bone graft?

Typically, placement of a bone graft does not require being put to sleep; it can be done easily with local anesthesia. Many dental providers can offer sedation for your comfort, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation and IV sedation. If your case is more involved, general anesthesia may be recommended.

Do gum grafts require anesthesia?

Normally we use local anesthesia for gum grafting, because our dentist must collect the tissue from the roof of your mouth before stitching it into place over the exposed dental root. You don't need to be fully sedated, and can even drive yourself home after the appointment.

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.

What foods can I eat after gum graft?

In terms of eating normally after gum grafting, a liquid diet is recommended for the first few days post-op. On the day of surgery, we recommend eating only cold food and beverages, such as pudding, yogurt, shakes, or ice cream. Do not drink any acidic fruit juice or sodas, and don't use a straw for several days.