No one wants to hear they need oral surgery. In fact, even when patients are in pain, many still avoid seeing the dentist. But when it comes to oral surgery, specifically gum grafting, the positives outweigh any negative you may worry about.
Gum grafting is performed for a variety of dental issues, which can only be diagnosed by an experienced dental professional. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease or have always had recessed gums causing tooth sensitivity, knowing the facts is important.
Read on to learn more about gum grafting and the recovery period associated with it.
What is Gum Graft Surgery?
Gum graft surgery is recommended for a variety of reasons. Some patients undergo the procedure due to tooth decay while others have periodontal disease and need to stop gingival recession. Patients who need gum graft surgery first need a comprehensive oral exam to determine the extent of gum recession and their overall oral health. Gum grafting can also be performed to reduce tooth sensitivity for one or more teeth.
The extent of any gum grafting procedure depends on the extent of periodontal disease, if present, and your oral health as a whole. It’s also important to note that other dental issues may need to be addressed prior to gum grafting.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession can be caused by multiple things. Themost common cause of gum recession isperiodontal disease or gum disease. Other causes can be old age, poor oral hygiene, or medicalconditions. Another factor could be the toothbrush you are using. Check to make sure you are using asoft bristle tooth brush,and make sure you are gently brushing at least twice a day. Abrasive brushescan actually damage your gums as you brush if you are not careful.
Recovery from Gum Graft Surgery
As with any type of oral surgery, bleeding and swelling afterwards is expected. But when it comes to gum grafting specifically, swelling usually plateaus by the third day. While every patient recovers at their own pace, swelling usually resolves completely by the tenth day. This again depends on the extent of the procedure and post-operative compliance.
To keep swelling to a minimum, patients alternate ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes. You also need to avoid eating food that can cause additional trauma to the treated area. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can also reduce swelling and tenderness associated with gum grafting. Our Fort Mill dentist provides patients with postoperative instructions that expedite the healing process and keep recovery time to a minimum.
How Can I Schedule an Appointment?
Being told you need gum graft surgery can be intimidating, however, doing so can help prevent bone loss and even prevent additional gum recession. If you need a dental exam, or would like to learn more about this gum grafting procedure, call our dental office in Fort Mill SC today. One of your dedicated staff members will happily answer any questions you may have.
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