When most people think about their oral health, their pearly whites are the first thing to come to mind—but your gums are just as important as your teeth and shouldn’t be neglected! That said, if you’re suffering from periodontal disease, there’s no reason to panic; there are several ways that your dentist can address the issue, including a dental gum graft. Keep reading to learn more about this procedure and some tips for ensuring a smooth recovery process afterwards.
What Is Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting is a minor surgical procedure that’s used to restore gum tissue that’s been compromised, often by the likes of periodontitis (gum disease). Advanced and untreated gum disease can irreversibly destroy your gum tissue and even lead to tooth loss, due to the roots of the teeth eventually becoming exposed. This exposure can also result from bad oral habits like overbrushing or using a hard-bristled toothbrush. But a gum graft is often one of the best ways to restore this tissue and protect your teeth.
The first thing your dentist will do is numb your mouth with an anesthetic, so you don’t have to be concerned about pain at all! They will then take a small piece of borrowed gum tissue (usually from somewhere else in your mouth or from a donor) and graft it onto the treatment area. If this process seems relatively straightforward, that’s because it is! You might experience some discomfort following a gum graft, depending on if any tissue was removed from your palate. In any case, your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions for addressing any swelling or minor pain.
Tips for Recovering from a Dental Gum Graft
Thanks to new techniques and technologies, dental gum grafting is now as smooth and streamlined as ever before. That said, it is still a surgical process and needs to be taken seriously, especially concerning the healing period. Along with any specific aftercare guidelines provided by your dentist, consider these tips to help with your recovery:
- To help reduce and eliminate any bleeding, gently place gauze on the surgical site (not directly on top, but instead to either side of the site).
- Avoid strenuous physical activities for the following 3 – 7 days.
- Do not pull out your lip to try to see the wound, and refrain from using your tongue to touch it.
- Do not brush or use mouthwash for the first 24 hours. For the next month, you’ll have to be very careful when brushing near the surgical site.
- Avoid hot drinks and foods for 2 – 3 days following the procedure and stick to a soft-foods diet for the first week, slowly reintroducing harder foods.
A gum graft is an effective way to address the damage caused by advanced gum disease—and with virtually no downsides or risks to you whatsoever! That said, if you’re slated for the procedure, you have nothing to worry about.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Pham is thrilled to serve patients and families in the Leesburg, VA area. Dr. Pham received her dental doctorate from the Temple University School of Dentistry and is a proud member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry. Her practice is pleased to offer many available services including gum disease treatment. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule a visit, you can contact Dr. Pham through her practice’s website or over the phone: (703) 666-3867.