Marin County Gum grafts are typically performed by a periodontist, as they are more highly trained to perform such a delicate procedure. The procedure will begin with the area being numbed. Depending upon the patient, you may also be given a mild sedative. Next, a small incision is made into the site of the graft, which will make a tunnel or pocket where the graft will be place. Once the graft is in place, the area is sutured, the healing process can begin.
The three most common types of gum grafts are:
- Free gingival graft
- Connective tissue graft
- Pedicle graft
The healing process following your gum grafting procedure will be determined largely by what type of gum graft you have performed, and whether tissue was removed from your mouth, or if donor tissue was used. If your procedure does involve harvesting tissue from your mouth, you may be given a mouth guard which can help prevent bleeding and reduce the risk of your tongue hitting the stitches. A mouth guard will also prevent food from entering the site.
The Recovery Process
It is common to experience some discomfort and swelling following your gum grafting procedure, but fortunately the recovery process is not long.
Although most people can go back to work the next day or two following the procedure, it is important to avoid aerobic activity for at least one week. Patients who have tissue removed from their palate can expect the area to be sore for around 7-10 days. Patients whose graft was from a tissue bank will likely experience discomfort for 2-4 days.
To help manage your pain during this recovery period, it may help to take OTC pain relieving medication, such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol.
The first week or two of your recovery process, you should plan on sticking to a soft food diet. It will also be important to avoid foods that are too hot or too cold. Chewing may be a bit difficult during this time, but you will eventually return to normal.
The following food options would be good choices while your recover:
- Soft fruits
- Cooked vegetables
- Cottage cheese
- Eggs (soft-boiled or scrambled
- Ice cream
- Jell-O
- Smoothies
- Soups
- Yogurt
While sticking to a soft food diet is important, the quality of the foods you eat are almost as important as the type. According to recent studies, patients who receive certain nutrients during the recovery period recover much faster. For example, patients who have sufficient Vitamin D typically experience reduced inflammation, which speeds up the healing time.
In addition to following a modified diet, your oral health routines will also have to be modified. It is important that you avoid flossing or brushing the area where the procedure was performed until your doctor tells you it has sufficiently healed. Brushing or flossing too hard or too soon can result in the wound
opening, which can lead to an infection.
If you follow these best practices, you should be healed and enjoying your bright new smile in no time!
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