Gum Grafting Home Care Instructions
What You Should Do After Your Gum Graft Surgery
A Gum Graft is a minor surgical procedure that helps reverse gum recession, improve oral health, and enhance the appearance of your gums. Following these post-operative instructions closely is essential to ensure proper healing and optimal results.
If you haven’t yet had your gum grafting procedure, please read our Pre-Operative Instructions for Gum Graft Surgery.
Managing Bleeding
- Slight Bleeding is Normal: A small amount of blood in your saliva (light pink saliva) is normal for the first 1-2 days after surgery. Swallowing saliva is safe and will not make you feel sick.
- Excessive Bleeding: If you experience heavy or prolonged bleeding, please contact our office immediately for further guidance.
Caring for Sutures
- Non-Dissolving Sutures: If your dentist used non-dissolvable sutures, they will need to be removed in about 4-6 weeks. Be sure to schedule a follow-up appointment for suture removal.
- Dissolvable Sutures: Dissolvable sutures will naturally dissolve on their own within 1-2 weeks, so no additional action is needed.
Avoid Irritating the Healing Area
- Minimize Mouth Movements: Avoid spitting, sucking through a straw, or vigorous rinsing to prevent disturbing the grafted area.
- Gently Expel Fluids: If you need to expel liquids, let them drool out over a sink rather than spitting.
Pain Control
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: You may use ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed by your dentist. If you have no medical contraindications or allergies, a combination of 1000 mg of acetaminophen with 600 mg of ibuprofen every 4-6 hours is effective for managing discomfort.
Swelling Management
- Apply Ice: Swelling can peak 48-72 hours after surgery. To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel) to the cheek on and off for 10-15 minutes at a time.
Numbness
- Temporary Effects of Anesthetic: Any numbness from the local anesthetic will last approximately 2-3 hours. During this time, avoid hot liquids, and be careful not to bite your lip, cheek, or tongue.
Jaw Stiffness
- Difficulty Opening Mouth: Some stiffness or difficulty opening your jaw may occur due to the anesthetic injections. This temporary condition, known as “myogenic trismus,” is common and usually resolves within a few days. Learn more about managing jaw stiffness at home.
Antibiotics
- Complete Your Prescription: If your dentist prescribed antibiotics, take the entire course as directed. If you experience increased discomfort, difficulty swallowing, or breathing after 3 days, contact your dentist or seek emergency medical care.
Oral Hygiene and Gum Care After Your Gum Graft
First 24 Hours
- No Brushing or Rinsing: Do not brush, floss, or rinse your mouth within the first 24 hours after surgery.
After 24 Hours
- Salt Water Rinse: You may begin to rinse the grafted area with warm salt water using a syringe provided by your dentist (once daily) to keep the area clean.
- Brushing Other Teeth: You may resume brushing and flossing your other teeth, but avoid toothpaste initially. This is to prevent toothpaste particles from entering the healing site.
After 48 Hours
- Reintroduce Toothpaste: You may begin using toothpaste on other teeth. Continue to avoid brushing the grafted area directly.
After 1 Week
- Gentle Brushing on Grafted Teeth: You may gently brush the teeth around the graft, avoiding contact with the gum tissue. Do not disturb the graft site for at least 8 weeks.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
- Limit Both for 4 Weeks: Smoking and alcohol consumption can hinder healing and negatively affect surgical results. Refrain from both for at least 4 weeks post-surgery.
Avoid Vigorous Exercise
- Rest is Key: Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy physical activity for a few days, as this may increase bleeding or discomfort around the graft site.
Dietary Recommendations
- Stick to a Soft Diet: Focus on eating soft, non-abrasive foods, such as scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, smoothies, yogurt, and rice, which are easy on the healing gums.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: For the first 48 hours, avoid foods or drinks that are very hot or cold to prevent irritation.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for healing, so drink plenty of water.
- No Spicy, Acidic, or Crunchy Foods: Spicy and acidic foods can irritate the gums, while crunchy foods (e.g., nuts, seeds) can disturb the graft site. Avoid these foods until your dentist advises otherwise.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any additional questions or concerns about your gum graft surgery recovery, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to provide support and ensure a smooth healing process.
