Finally, let’s talk recovery from gum tissue graft surgery. You will not have to be hospitalized or anything like that; you can go home immediately after your surgery, but you will need a ride home.

Until the area has healed, do not brush or floss the gum lines that were affected. Instead, rinse your mouth with a special, dentist-prescribed mouthwash to clean the area and help prevent plaque buildup. Additionally, your periodontist may prescribe an antibiotic to cull the risk of infection.

For at least a week post-gum graft surgery, eat only soft, cool foods. For example, you can eat eggs, gelatin, yogurt, cottage cheese, pasta, ice cream, and well-cooked (super soft) vegetables. Definitely keep raw vegetables and crispy fruits, such as apples and pears, out of your diet until you are completely healed.[..Read More]

Now that we’ve gone over why you might need gum graft surgery, let’s discuss what you can expect during said procedure.

Depending on the periodontist and his or her policies, what anesthesia you receive will vary. Some will only numb the areas directly, some will offer IV anesthesia, and some will offer relaxing meds on top of the anesthesia. The relaxers could be nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or prescription tranquilizers for the patient to take before the procedure, such as Valium.

There are three different types of gum grafts. Since not every patient has the same condition for needing a gum graft, not every patient needs the exact same procedure.[..Read More]