Is Getting a Gum Graft Painful?
Gum grafting can be used to help restore the health and structure of your gums if they’ve been severely affected by periodontal disease and have begun receding. If your dentist has let you know that you’re in need of this procedure, it’s crucial to act quickly and schedule your treatment. If you wait too long, you could risk permanently losing a tooth. With all of the modern techniques and technology available, you won’t need to feel anxious about discomfort during or after the treatment. Read on to learn about what you can expect while recovering from a gum graft.
Will You Experience Pain During a Gum Graft?
Most dentists use advanced technology and offer sedation dentistry to help make the process as pain-free and comfortable as possible. Before the procedure even begins, they’ll also inject local anesthesia to the area to make it completely numb, so you won’t feel an ounce of discomfort during your procedure. After your graft is complete, it will take a few hours for your anesthesia and sedation to wear off, so you should remain comfortable until you get home. Your dentist may recommend over the counter pain medication, like ibuprofen, or prescribe antibiotics for you to take in the days following your treatment.
Managing Your Pain After Treatment
It’s important to follow your dentist’s post-operative recommendations to make a speedy, complication-free recovery from your gum graft treatment. It will take some time before your gums completely heal, so you’ll need to be diligent about taking care of your smile after your procedure. Here are some ways you can manage any discomfort you feel and help your gums heal faster:
- Place gauze to the side of the grafted gum tissue to minimize any bleeding.
- Avoid strenuous and physical activity for three to seven days after your procedure.
- Don’t pull your lip outward in order to see your wound.
- Don’t brush your teeth or use mouthwash for at least 24 hours after your treatment.
- Don’t feel the wound with your tongue.
- Maintain a soft diet and avoid hot foods for the first week after your procedure.
- Avoid directly brushing the surgical site for at least a month after the procedure.
Is Getting a Gum Graft Really Worth It?
Yes! Getting a gum graft could keep you from loosing a permanent tooth due to gum recession caused by periodontal disease. That means that you wouldn’t need to jump the emotional hurdles of tooth loss or fork out countless dollars on restorative treatments like bridges or dentures.
Even though getting a gum graft may seem daunting, there’s truthfully nothing to feel anxious or nervous about. As long as you go to a trusted professional, you’ll be able to maintain great oral health and a complete, natural smile, which is an absolutely priceless benefit of getting a gum graft.