Realizing that your gums are receding can be a shocking experience, especially if you’ve practiced excellent oral hygiene and have not noticed any major discomfort. Unfortunately, receding gums are a common issue that might be caused by factors outside of your control. Since gum tissue will not regrow on its own, gum graft surgery is the only way to reverse its recession. While gum recession is fairly common, it needs to be treated because it can lead to tooth decay or loss. If you are wondering if gum grafting is painful, read on to learn what you can expect during and after the treatment.
Are Gum Grafts Painful?
Due to the use of local anesthetic during the procedure, receiving a gum graft is completely painless. However, the recovery afterward might involve some discomfort depending on what kind of gum graft you have received. If no tissue was removed from your palate for the graft, it is quite likely that you will not experience any discomfort at all. If tissue was removed during the procedure, you can expect mild to moderate discomfort afterward.
What Types of Gum Grafts Are There?
Gum grafts are typically performed by periodontists, who are dentists with special training regarding gum tissues and the bones that support them. Your situation may require more than one type of graft or additional treatments such as scaling, root planing, and gum contouring. Depending on the nature of your gum recession, your provider may employ one of these three types of grafts:
- Connective tissue grafts involve taking connective tissue from the roof of the mouth and then attaching it over the exposed roots of the teeth.
- Free gingival grafts can reinforce fragile gum tissue. Your dentist might attach a small amount of tissue from your palate to the gums around your tooth or use freeze-dried human tissue from another source.
- Pedicle grafts can be performed if the gum tissue next to the exposed roots is thick and healthy. Your dentist will take some of this healthy tissue and reposition it over the roots.
What Kind of Aftercare Do Gum Grafts Require?
There are a few ways to help you keep any post-surgical discomfort at a minimum. During the first twenty-four hours after surgery, it is best to avoid physical activity. You should probably avoid hot foods and drinks for the first few days and stick to soft foods for the first week while being careful when chewing around the surgical area. Additionally, consider these useful aftercare tips:
- Gauze should not be placed on top of the surgical site but rather on either side of it.
- Do not brush your teeth or rinse your mouth on the day of the surgery, but use a mouthwash after the first twenty-four hours to kill bacteria.
- Do not lick at or remove the dressing from the wound or pull your lip to look at it.
- As you slowly resume brushing your teeth over the first month, be sure to avoid brushing near the grafting area. Afterward, gently use a soft toothbrush until healing is complete.
If you notice that you have a receding gumline, you can rest assured that it can be treated with minimal discomfort. Talking with your dentist can help determine if gum grafting is right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Eduardo R. Lorenzana earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Baylor College of Dentistry in 1996 before achieving his Certificate in Periodontics and master’s in oral biology in 1999. He served as President of the Texas Society of Periodontists from 2008 to 2010 and the SPEAR Study Club Director from 2010 to 2015. His practice in San Antonio, TX offers dental implants and periodontal treatments. If you are curious about what gum grafting can do for you, contact his office online or dial (210) 492-3519.