Is gum grafting painful?

When you think about a gum graft procedure you may expect it to hurt quite a bit, but is this really the case? In today's post, our Ontario dentists talk about the gum graft procedure and whether or not gum grafting is painful.

Is the Gum Grafting Procedure Painful?

Believe it or not, thanks to local anesthetic, gum grafting can be a virtually painless procedure during the procedure itself. However, you should note that the level of pain you experience will largely depend on the type of gum grafting procedure you have performed. The amount of tissue that you have removed will play a large part in the amount of discomfort that you feel.

It is common to experience some swelling for a few days following the surgery. Your dentist might recommend some over-the-counter pain medication to relieve some of the hurt associated with this swelling. They might also recommend antibiotics if they have concerns about you developing an infection.

Recovery After Gum Grafting Surgery

There are some steps you can take to reduce your discomfort. But more importantly, these steps can also help reduce the risk of complications:

• Avoid crushing the gums near the surgical site for about one month, or as directed by your dentist
• Placing a gauze at the side of the surgical site
• Avoiding hot food and drinks for two to three days after surgery, or as directed by your dentist
• Avoid strenuous activity for about a week after surgery, or as directed by your dentist
• Not putting your tongue near the surgical site
• Not pulling on your lip
• No brushing or mouthwash for around 24 hours after surgery, or as directed by your dentist

Is Gum Grafting a Good Idea?

Anyone that decides to have gum grafting done will undoubtedly have many questions about the procedure and what to expect, especially about how it will feel. Although you might experience some discomfort, this pain is usually minimal and temporary and mostly confined to post-procedure. But your improved smile and better oral health are your rewards for having to go through it. By not having a gum graft, you can run the risk of higher tooth sensitivity and developing periodontal disease.

Leaving a gum graft to the last minute can result in a more painful procedure as tooth sensitivity and periodontal disease begins to develop. However, don't jump into a gum graft just because you think you need one. If you are considering having a gum graft done then you should first contact your dentist to discuss the state of your oral health and if this procedure is right for you.

Your dentist will be able to dispel any concerns that you have. The use of numbing agents and anesthesia has made gum grafting procedures generally comfortable. While you may feel some discomfort during recovery, typically this will dissipate within a few days.

If you have been looking at your smile and thinking about gum grafting then you may have some questions. Contact our Ontario dentists today to learn more about what options may be right for you.