Gum Grafting Recovery
The healing time for a gum grafting procedure can be as short as a week with complete recovery closer to a month. This recovery time will come with some firm instructions to promote proper healing. Before your recovery process let us first describe the process and why you may consider having gum grafting.
The Reasons for Gum Grafting
Gum recession is a natural outcome from the aging process. As your gums naturally recede the roots of your teeth become exposed. This leads to increased sensitivity from the exposed tooth, some bone loss and even the loss of the entire tooth. Gum recession becomes a problem when it is accelerated by gum or periodontal disease, a smoking habit, or the simple bad habit of poor at-home oral hygiene with how you care for your teeth and gums. You may be diligent about following the health industry suggestions of brushing twice a day but are actually doing damage because you are too aggressive or using a firm-bristle toothbrush. It is wise to consult and collaborate with your dentist on creating an oral health care plan to maintain your healthy teeth and gums.
The Gum Grafting Procedure
In most procedures your dentist or periodontist will go to a place on your palette, the roof of your mouth, for a source for the donor tissue graft. The treatment is completed with the administration of a local anesthesia as the donor tissue is both removed and then surgically placed in the area of demand. When you are finished you have two areas with sutures. Occasionally grafting tissue from a tissue bank can be used eliminating one set of sutures but this will come with an additional cost.
The Gum Grafting Recovery Expectations
You will be sore for a few days. You will be advised not to brush your teeth around the grafting site, and you will also be provided with a list of preferred soft foods for your diet. It may also be suggested that for a reasonable period your food remains cold so it will not damage the suture sites. Softer food will minimize the necessity to chew, which is quite beneficial with your recovery process. You will have a follow up exam in a week or so to evaluate the progression of the healing and allowing for the return of normal brushing and diet changes. By following your instructions, you are also avoiding the possibility of infections and complications.
The Benefits of having Gum Grafting
Most people think about the appearance of their teeth when they evaluate and consider the value of their natural smile. The gums are equally as important in having a good balanced ratio. Your smile is an underappreciated asset taken for granted that displays your personality and who you are. It can be seen as the foundation for your self-confidence and your self-esteem. Paying attention to the health of both your teeth and gums is critical for your quality of life. Allowing your gums to recede and not doing anything about them will have the health implications of bone loss and tooth loss so it goes beyond just the aesthetics of a healthy smile. Work with your dental team and establish a preventative oral hygiene program at home.