How Long Does It Take Gum Grafting to Heal?
When gums recede, the root of the tooth become exposed, which often makes the tooth sensitive to cold or hot temperatures. Gum recession may be caused by periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, or in some cases, genetic predisposition. If your gums have recessed significantly, you may require a gum graft procedure.
One of the most common concerns of patients who require gum grafting is how long it will take to heal from the procedure. The answer to this question depends primarily on what type of gum grafting procedure you have performed. Following a traditional gum grafting procedure, most pain or discomfort will alleviate within two to four days and the graft should be completely healed within one month. If donor material is used, the healing process will be much faster.
Types of Gum Grafts
The three most common types of gum grafts are a free gingival graft, connective tissue graft, and a pedicle graft. A free gingival graft involves taking a tiny amount of tissue from the roof of the mouth and attaching that tissue to the gum area. A connective tissue graft is similar, but the tissue is taken from under the top layer of flesh, which is accessed by making a flap, after which the flap is stitched shut. Connective-tissue grafts are the most commonly performed gum graft. In the pedicle graft procedure, the pedicle is partially cut away and the gum is pulled down or over the exposed root. Which grafting procedure is right for you will depend on your specific needs and determined by factors such as how thin your gums are and how much gum tissue you have near the tooth.
Following your gum grafting procedure, you will be able to go home, although you may need to arrange for someone to drive you home if heavier sedation was used as part of your procedure. Before leaving, your dentist will detail postoperative care instructions, which may include medications you will need to take, a modified diet plan, oral hygiene modifications, and a list of the type of physical activities that can be performed and when. It is essential to follow these aftercare instructions as closely as possible to avoid complications and have a fast healing process.
It is important to practice proper oral hygiene habits during this recovery period. Do not brush or floss the surgical area until it has fully healed, as doing so will increase your risk of developing an infection or of opening the wound. If prescribed an antimicrobial mouthwash, use as directed in order to avoid plaque buildup and infections. Pain medication may be prescribed to help you manage your discomfort, along with antibiotic treatment to reduce your risk of developing an infection. If you are not prescribed pain medication and are experiencing excessive discomfort, take OTC pain medications such as Aleve. It is also important that you have at least 72 hours following your procedure where you will not need to exert excess energy. It is also a good idea to avoid strenuous activities or vigorous exercise until you have been cleared to do so.
By following these and any additional aftercare instructions closely, you will experience less discomfort and recover faster. Once your graft has fully healed, you can resume all normal activities and return to your standard oral hygiene routine.
If you have questions, speak with your dentist.