Taking the necessary steps to heal your gum disease is a great way to secure a healthy mouth. When you have periodontitis, a late-stage version of gum disease, your gums may begin to recede, leaving your teeth more vulnerable to infection and rot. Gum grafting is a way to help prevent this from continuing, heal the affected areas, and rid your mouth of the disease.
As with all oral surgical procedures, a healing period will follow. Even with the most minimally-invasive surgeries and expert oral surgeons, your mouth will likely experience some swelling, light bleeding, and overall discomfort. There are many ways to relieve this pain, including prescription medications, natural remedies, and other recommended alternatives provided by your oral surgeon.
What Is a Gum Graft Procedure?
As plaque and tartar collects in the gum pockets, your gums will begin to naturally recede. In order to counteract this and begin the healing process, your oral surgeon may recommend a gum graft. This procedure sees a healthy section of gum being grafted and then placed over an exposed root. This helps stimulate the receded gums and protects your tooth from sensitivity and infection.
The most common form of gum graft is the connective-tissue graft, which is when your oral surgeon takes the gum from the healthy area just under the surface of the roof of your mouth. They can also directly take from the roof of your mouth or use donor tissue from the gums surrounding neighboring teeth. The exact method of grafting depends on the availability and healthiness of surrounding gum tissue.
How to Relieve Pain After Surgery
When it comes to pain, the actual gum grafting surgery is painless. Your oral surgeon will use a local numbing agent to alleviate any discomfort. Some tingling or pressure may be felt, but you should not feel any actual pain. As for after the procedure, you may begin to feel mild pain or soreness in the affected areas. This may also come with slight swelling and other mild side effects.
In order to relieve any pain or discomfort, your surgeon may prescribe you a light dose of a prescription pain medication. Similarly, over-the-counter pain relievers, like Tylenol or Advil, can also be effective. For two or three days after the surgery, you’ll want to avoid hard foods and stick to products that are easier to chew, like mashed potatoes, soups, and smoothies.
Your surgeon will give you a detailed description of how to handle brushing and flossing around the gums until it has fully healed. If your discomfort is not mild or easily managed with over-the-counter medications and lasts longer than two to three days, it’s best you reach out to your oral surgeon as soon as possible. This can be a direct side effect of an infection or other possible surgical complication.
Consult a Dedicated Oral Surgeon About Your Questions Now
Overall, having exposed nerves or receding gums can cause increased sensitivity and make chewing difficult. When a professional surgeon, like one of the qualified doctors from Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group, uses minimally-invasive techniques and state-of-the-art technology to quickly and cost-effectively cover your exposed nerves, you are giving yourself the best possible shot at a healthy, pain-free, and happy mouth.
For a better idea of how a gum graft may service your receding gums, consult one of our dedicated surgeons today by calling (908) 663-5309 or filling out a contact form.
