Are your gums pulling back due to periodontal disease? It is a serious oral health concern since it affects the periodontal tissue, causing it to recede. Over time, the tooth structure becomes exposed as the gums lose their hold on the teeth, leading to sensitive and wobbly teeth. If you do not go for periodontal disease treatment, you can lose all of your teeth!
Luckily, you can restore the appearance of your gums with the help of a gum graft procedure. Your gums cannot grow back, but gum grafts can eliminate the issue by covering the vulnerable tooth structures. But many people wonder: Does gum grafting hurt? Carry on reading this blog to learn the procedure and if it is painful!
What Happens in a Gum Graft Procedure?
When you are ready for the procedure, the periodontist will administer anesthesia before proceeding with the treatment. This way, the areas of your mouth that have to undergo surgery will be numb, and they can perform the gum graft without having to worry about you experiencing any discomfort.
The process usually involves removing a piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth or any other location and attaching it to the affected area. After the procedure, the dental specialist will place a gauze over the surgical site, allowing your gums to heal properly.
Is Gum Graft Painful?
You can expect to feel little to no pain throughout the gum graft treatment. Since you are under anesthesia, the affected area will be completely numb, and you will not feel any pain while the periodontist works on your gums. However, when the effects wear off after the surgery after you reach home, you might notice some soreness and discomfort.
In short, gum grafting will not hurt, thanks to the anesthesia that the periodontist will administer in your mouth. They will methodically place the extracted tissue in the areas suffering from the effects of gum disease, and you will not even feel a thing!
Managing Pain After Gum Graft
Throughout the surgery, you can expect to feel no pain. But when the discomfort hits afterward, you can still manage it. Your periodontist will advise you on what to do over the next few weeks to manage the pain and ensure safe recovery. Here are some tips that might help you manage the pain after a gum graft:
- On the day of your surgery, do not brush or rinse your mouth.
- When 24 hours have passed, use a mouthwash in order to eliminate any bad bacteria. You can ask your periodontist for recommendations on which mouthwash to use!
- Switch to a soft food diet in the first week of surgery, and avoid hot foods or beverages.
- Try to keep your tongue away from the surgical site. Don’t poke it with your tongue!
- Refrain from strenuous activity for a week or so.
- Maintain the aftercare as prescribed by the periodontist, and take your prescribed medications without delay!
Final Word
A gum graft procedure is highly beneficial. Before treatment, your periodontist will administer anesthesia, which means you will not feel any pain. Slight swelling and discomfort might take place afterward, but you can manage them with aftercare!
Perio Health Professionals are dedicated to providing you with optimal oral health. Contact us at (713) 783-5442 or give us a visit at 3400 S Gessner Rd # 102, Houston, TX 77063, United States, for treatment!