Have you been given a gum graft prescription to treat your receding gums? Would you be interested in learning more about this process? Here are the most important details in the following article.
Because it is a gradual process, many people may not notice their gums receding, but over time, the exposed tooth root starts to manifest itself in an unfavourable way, in addition to many other issues that may affect it, such as decay or tooth loss.
Gum graft surgery is a procedure that can be used to treat gum recession. Here are the specifics:
Gum grafting
It is a dental procedure carried out by a skilled dentist as one of the suggested treatment options to treat gum recession, which exposes the tooth's root surface and restores gum health while preventing the development of more serious issues like tooth sensitivity or tooth root decay.
Gum grafting is a brief process with two main components:
- Take a piece of healthy tissue from the roof of the mouth or nearby gum tissue.
- Grafting the excised piece of healthy tissue and attaching it to the places of gingival recession.
Advantages of gum grafting
Gum grafting has a number of benefits in addition to aiding in the treatment of receding gums, the most significant of which are as follows:
- preventing further bone loss around the gums as well as gum recession.
- Preventing tooth root decay and preserving it after covering it.
- Reducing the feeling of tooth sensitivity .
- Improve the overall appearance of the mouth and smile.
- Improve the general health of the mouth and teeth.
Preparing for gum grafting
The following are some pre-preparation guidelines for gum grafting instructions:
- To lessen the chance of an infection developing after the procedure, take any antibiotics your dentist may have prescribed.
- For the best oral health, practise good oral and dental hygiene, use mouthwash, and properly floss.
- Smoking should be avoided as much as possible to hasten the healing process after gum grafting.
- arranging for assistance in getting home, such as having a relative pick you up after treatment due to the use of anaesthesia.
- Arrange a few days off from work.
Steps to perform gum grafting
Gum grafting, as we already mentioned, is a quick procedure. The steps to carry out the procedure are as follows:
- The specialist dentist determines the place that contains severe gum recession, and the gum grafting process must be performed in it.
- The doctor cleans the teeth well above and below the receding gums to remove tartar and bacteria stuck in it.
- Gum grafting is performed under local anesthesia, and then the doctor will select the graft, that is, the healthy tissue that he intends to transfer to the receding gums and then cut it.
- Small incisions will be made at the site of the receding gums to create a small pocket to accommodate the graft, and then the graft will be inserted into the space between the two sections of the receded gingiva . Often here, the graft is slightly larger than the receded gingival area, so it will be visible after it is installed.
- The doctor places stitches to increase the stability of the patch in place, and some surgical materials are used to protect the surgical area during the first week of healing.
- Symmetry and healing of the gums will be achieved within approximately 6 weeks following the operation.
Recovery after gum grafting
After gum grafting, recovery takes between 10 and 14 days. The following guidelines can help you recover more quickly:
1. The first days after gingival grafting
Patients are advised here to: Patients may experience some discomfort or pain in the initial days following gingival grafting.
- To ease discomfort or pain, take over-the-counter painkillers.
- Get rest for at least 24-48 hours after the surgery.
- Avoid participating in any strenuous physical activities.
2. Oral and dental care
The following are the most crucial guidelines for oral and dental hygiene following gum grafting:
- Prior to the gum graft area being fully healed, refrain from brushing or flossing in that area.
- To prevent any infections and to help manage plaque accumulation around the teeth, use an antimicrobial rinse.
3. Eat and drink
The following are the most crucial advice on what to eat and drink after gum grafting:
- Consume soft foods that don't require much chewing for at least seven days, such as yoghurt, fresh juices, blended soups, soft scrambled eggs, and mashed boiled vegetables.
- To avoid irritability around the gum graft, refrain from drinking or eating anything that is extremely hot or cold.
Complications of gum grafting
Gum grafting complications are rare and infrequent. However, a few complications, such as the following, may affect some people:
- incorrectly attaching the gum tissue to the intended location, though this is very uncommon. If this happens, another surgery may be required to install the gum tissue.
- When a patient feels uncomfortable with the final shape of the gum tissue that has been installed when smiling, a specialist dentist may reshape the gums to help alter the tooth's final appearance.
- experiencing some post-gum surgery side effects, such as bleeding or gum swelling.
- Temporary feeling of weakness in the teeth.
- The appearance of signs of tooth sensitivity.
- Infection.