If you had gum graft surgery, recovery plays a major role in the procedure’s success. Therefore, it’s essential to have a specialist that will support you through every step of the process to ensure it goes smoothly. At Rockland Dental Specialists, we understand the importance of recovery and strive to renew your confidence in your smile in a stress-free way. With over 24 years of combined experience, you can trust us to put your health and safety first at all times.
In our relaxing New City, NY facilities, we implement the latest technologies and techniques to optimize comfort and quality and minimize pain. Our compassionate specialists understand the daunting nature of gum graft procedures and the recovery process, so we communicate honestly and openly about how to maintain a healthy gum graft and prevent any issues arising down the road.
5 Tips for Healthy Gum Graft Recovery
We understand every patient is different, so we will work with you to develop a recovery plan based on your condition and unique needs. In addition to our personalized recommendation, the following actions can help your gum graft recover smoothly and stay healthy:
Rest
Even though gum graft surgery is done in your mouth, it can affect your entire body. In addition to feeling tired and sore after the procedure, your body does most of the healing while sleeping, so getting enough rest is crucial. Part of this rest includes avoiding long conversations and talking too much, as this could loosen your stitches and move the graft around.
Avoid Strenuous Activity
After gum graft surgery, avoid overexerting yourself for the first week. This means minimizing movement, physical activity, and exercise. Doing this too early in the recovery process can cause swelling, bruising, and bleeding, which could prolong the healing process.
Eat Soft, Temperature-Neutral Foods
Certain foods can irritate a gum graft, so after surgery, you should only eat room-temperature liquids for the first day or two. Then, you can move on to soft foods, like oatmeal, applesauce, and yogurt. It’s important to avoid fruits with small seeds and anything too hot, too cold, crunchy, or sticky, as they can get lodged in the graft and make recovery more difficult.
Pain Management
You may experience pain and swelling after gum graft surgery, so we recommend icing the area on and off for the first day. Our specialists can also provide over-the-counter pain relief medication suggestions or prescriptions, depending on what works best for you. We can also advise you when you can stop taking these medications.
Brush Gently
While you can brush your teeth and other areas of your mouth after gum graft surgery, you should avoid brushing the grafted and surrounding area for the first day or two. We may provide a rinse to keep the graft clean and let you know when you can start brushing the graft.
Speak With a Qualified Professional at Rockland Dental Specialists About Your Gum Graft Recovery
Healing from gum graft surgery looks different for everyone. For this reason, our trusted team at Rockland Dental Specialists works closely with you to develop a personalized recovery plan and timeline. We also explain the recovery process clearly so that you fully understand how to take care of yourself after the procedure.
Your comfort is our top priority, so we always have your best interest and health history in mind. With state-of-the-art technology, our well-trained team strives to reduce post-operative downtime, so you can have a smooth recovery and get back to work and other activities you love. With our unmatched care and compassion, you can rest assured you are getting the best care possible. To schedule a consultation, call (845) 400-9205 or fill out our contact form.
