What is the recovery time for a gum graft?

A gum graft takes one to two weeks to heal. During this time, you'll need to follow strict instructions, including what you can and cannot eat. Your compliance with these directions can affect your outcome.

When can I return to work after gum graft?

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.

How long does pain last 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.

How long does it take for a gum graft to look normal?

It is recommended that you do not look at the site until after the first post-op appointment. Muscles in your lip and face may manipulate the location of the newly placed graft. Avoid any contact of the graft with your fingers or toothbrush. The whole healing process averages 4-6 weeks.

How long does the roof of your mouth take to heal after gum graft?

The palate takes longer to heal than the gum graft and spans from six to eight weeks following the surgery. For the first few days you will experience a burning sensation and it will take about 14 days before the discomfort will stop.

Gum Graft Recovery: How It Feels

Can you drive home after a gum graft?

For the most part, patients can drive themselves home after a gum graft. Local anesthesia (novocain) is typically used to numb the areas where the procedure takes place. In some cases, patients opt for a sedative. In this case, transportation will need to be arranged to travel home from the dentist's office.

What is the fastest way to heal a gum graft?

Are gum grafts 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.

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.

When can I brush my teeth 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 can you not do after a gum graft?

AVOID PEROXIDE, ALCOHOL, CARBONATED BEVERAGES, AND DRINKING THROUGH A STRAW. After 24 Hours. You may have soft foods, such as cooked vegetables, fish, pasta, and meatloaf, which are easily chewed. You should use utensils and avoid chewing at the surgical site for 2 weeks.

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.

How can I speed up gum healing?

Do gum grafts look natural?

By adding new gum tissue with grafting, gums look even, natural, and healthy. They will also be stronger. Your patients will not only have good looking gums again, but their smile will look normal and healthy, too.

How many teeth can be gum graft at once?

How many teeth need to be grafted? If you need many teeth in your mouth grafted and want to just get this procedure done once, then alloderm should definitely be considered. If you use your own tissue, the most teeth you can typically graft at once would probably be somewhere in the neighborhood of 7-8 teeth.

Is gum grafting risky?

If the procedure was handled by a skilled and experienced dentist, the gum graft procedure is totally safe and the complications are minimal. Potential complications that could occur due to the procedure include severe swelling, infections, uneven healing and loose sutures.

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.

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.

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.

Can I drink coffee after gum graft surgery?

Eating: Maintaining an adequate diet after surgery is essential. Cold or warm temperature foods are recommended for the first day. Coffee or tea can be consumed if it is not hot. After the first day, stay on a soft but balanced diet.

Should I not 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.

What do you eat after gum graft surgery?

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.

How do you prepare for a gum graft?

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. Less swelling equals less pain.