Why It's Important to Properly Care for Your Mouth Following a Gum Graft
Posted on 1/13/2018 by Implant & Periodontal Associates NW
The gum graft sounds like a very painful procedure that will make people swear off visiting a dentist in the first place. Amazingly, this is a common enough procedure which happens when the patients' gums recede and expose the roots.
What happens is we will take a piece of tissue and affix it to the receding portion of the gums. The tissues may come from the palate or a nearby healthy gum. You can go home immediately after the procedure.
What to Do After a Gum Graft?
There's going to be some adjustment period while the gum graft heals. For instance, you will be told to change your diet with particular focus on soft food or cold food.
So, you will eat a lot of soft-boiled or scrambled eggs, jello, well-cooked pasta, yogurt, cheeses, soup, milkshakes, pudding and ice cream, which is eaten best within the first 24 hours following the procedure. It's also logical to avoid meat and chewy foods, as well as acidic foods or beverages. Instead, drink at least eight glasses of water daily.
If you are brushing your teeth, be careful to avoid the areas where the tissues were grafted. Gargle with anti-microbial mouthwash for at least two weeks after the procedure to avoid infection and buildup of plaque. Dial back on the physical activity for a while-one week at the minimum-to avoid aggravating your condition. You may be given prescription anti-pain medication to alleviate the discomfort.
Complications from a gum graft procedure are extremely rare. With that said, if you see continuous bleeding in the affected area, or pus coming out of the grafted gums, see the dentist right away.
Have you noticed your gums receding? It's time to pay us a visit and allow us to determine if you need a gum graft.
Contact Us Implant and Periodontal Associates Northwest
The gum graft sounds like a very painful procedure that will make people swear off visiting a dentist in the first place. Amazingly, this is a common enough procedure which happens when the patients' gums recede and expose the roots. 