Undergoing a gum graft procedure can be a significant step in maintaining and restoring the health of your gums. Whether you’ve chosen to undergo a gum graft for aesthetic reasons or to treat gum recession, monitoring your healing is crucial to ensure proper recovery and successful results. While your dental professional will guide you through postoperative care instructions, it’s important to be familiar with signs, such as decreased swelling and tissue shrinkage, that indicate your gum graft is healing correctly.
If you require a gum graft, the talented oral surgeons at Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group are here to help. We understand your smile’s importance to your health and confidence and will work with you to achieve your goals. We take a patient-centric approach to oral surgery and will work with you to ensure you have a treatment plan that fits your unique needs.
Healing After a Gum Graft
Gum grafting is the process of taking tissue from one area of your mouth and using it to restore your gums. Following your procedure, you can expect to experience some bleeding and swelling. However, you can know that your gums are beginning to heal when the swelling decreases and the soft tissue begins to shrink. The graft will then bind to the root of your tooth and other nearby bone structures. New blood vessels will form, and the grafted tissue will start receiving an adequate blood supply. You should notice this occurring between four to six weeks after your procedure.
While the graft heals relatively quickly, the donor site on the roof of your mouth typically takes longer to recover fully. You may feel a burning sensation in the first few days after your surgery, followed by general discomfort in the area for about two weeks. Your surgeon can prescribe you medications to help ease these symptoms. Depending on how much tissue needs to be taken from the donor site, healing may take up to two months.
What Can I Do to Help My Mouth Heal Faster?
Waiting to make a full recovery after a gum graft can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to aid the healing process, including the following:
- Apply ice in 20-minute intervals in the first 24 hours after the surgery
- Take your pain medication as prescribed
- Avoid speaking in the first two to three days following your procedure
- Stay off your feet for at least three days after surgery
- Avoid poking or playing with the surgery site and dressing with your fingers and tongue
- Consume soft, non-spicy foods
- Brush carefully and practice good oral hygiene
Above all else, following your doctor’s postoperative instructions and attending all follow-up appointments is essential. Your surgeon can assess your progress and provide updated instructions on how to best expedite your healing process. Typically, patients can fully recover in as little as two months.
Schedule an Appointment with a Talented Oral Surgeon At Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group
Because gum grafts offer significant health and aesthetic benefits, choosing the right oral surgeon to complete the procedure is essential. At Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group, our talented surgeons have extensive experience performing gum grafts and helping our patients heal as quickly and painlessly as possible. We understand the anxieties and concerns that come with undergoing oral surgery, so we will ensure your comfort is prioritized through every step of your treatment plan.
We offer state-of-the-art procedures in a friendly and relaxed environment so you can be confident your oral health is in capable hands. To schedule an appointment with one of our highly-qualified oral specialists, call us at (908) 663-5309 or complete our contact form today.
