A gum graft is a dental procedure designed to restore gum tissue that has receded, often exposing the roots of teeth. This recession can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, root decay, and even tooth loss if left unaddressed. The procedure involves taking healthy gum tissue, either from another area of your mouth or from a donor source, and attaching it to the area where the gum has receded. While the procedure itself is typically pain-free due to local anesthesia, patients commonly express concerns about post-operative pain.
Expected Duration of Discomfort
Some discomfort or pain is normal after a gum graft. This discomfort typically peaks within the first 24 to 48 hours following the procedure and generally subsides over a few days to a week. Mild pain is common, often lasting about two days.
The level of discomfort can vary based on the type of graft performed. For instance, if tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth (a connective tissue graft or free gingival graft), the donor site may experience more discomfort than the graft site itself. Individual pain tolerance and the extent of the gum recession also play a role. While initial healing, including swelling and tenderness, usually takes one to two weeks, complete integration of the grafted tissue can take several months.
Strategies for Managing Pain
Managing post-operative pain involves several approaches. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are often effective. In some cases, your dentist may prescribe stronger pain medication or antibiotics to prevent infection.
Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your cheek for short intervals during the first 24 to 48 hours can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Maintaining a soft food diet for the initial days, avoiding hard, crunchy, spicy, acidic, or very hot or cold foods, is important to prevent irritation to the healing site. Avoiding strenuous physical activity for at least 24 to 72 hours, not disturbing the surgical site, and refraining from brushing the grafted area until instructed by your dentist aids in recovery. Your dentist might also recommend a special mouth rinse to keep the area clean without disturbing the graft.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While some discomfort, swelling, and slight bleeding are expected after a gum graft, certain signs warrant immediate contact with your dentist. Severe or worsening pain not managed by prescribed medication, or pain that persists beyond the expected duration, should be reported.
Other warning signs include uncontrolled or excessive bleeding from the surgical site, which is more common with free gingival grafts from the roof of the mouth. Signs of infection, such as fever, pus, increased redness, or a foul odor around the graft area, require prompt attention. If the graft appears dislodged, looks grey, or does not seem to be integrating with the surrounding tissue, contact your dentist.