How Long Does It Take Gum Grafting to Heal?
If you have gums that are receding, you’ll likely be told by your dentist that you need a procedure called gum grafting. Gum recession is a serious issue that can cause numerous other complications if not corrected in a timely manner. Gum grafting is a common procedure, typically performed on an out-patient basis. If you’re a candidate for gum grafting, read on to learn more about the procedure and how long it will take to heal?
Why is gum grafting important?
Receding gums pose numerous risks to your overall health. Receding gums occur when the gumline pulls back from the tooth exposing the roots. This can occur for several reasons, but the most common reason is gum disease. When a tooth’s roots are exposed, numerous issues can occur. One of the most common is the formation of pockets behind the gumline, which will over time allow for the buildup of bacteria and plaque. This ultimately worsens the gum disease and will eventually lead to serious issues like tooth loss. Exposed roots also pose a damage risk to the tooth. Gum grafts, therefore, are important procedures for reversing the damage that has been done from the receding gums and preventing future damage from occurring.
What is a gum graft procedure?
In general, gum grafts involve a dentist removing donor tissue from a donor site in the mouth, usually the roof of the mouth, and suturing the tissue onto the existing gum tissue where the receding is occurring. Over time, this will heal with the existing tissue and form a thicker more structurally sound gumline.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, which will limit the pain during the procedure. Following the procedure, it is common to feel some discomfort at both the donor site and the procedure site. This discomfort is typically managed with over-the-counter pain meds and general care as prescribed by the dentist.
How long does gum grafting take to heal?
In general, the gum graft will be fully healed within a few weeks of the procedure. Each person’s unique health and circumstances will impact the total time needed for healing, but in general, you will be fully healed in about two weeks.
There are some considerations to be aware of which will impact the total healing time, however.
- It is important to maintain a soft diet for at least the first week after the procedure. Hard, chewy, or hot foods can agitate both the donor and procedure sites and delay the recovery.
- It is important to follow your dentist’s oral hygiene recommendations following the procedure. They will likely give you specific brushing and flossing instructions which will help ensure that the sites heal appropriately.
- It is important not to smoke following the procedure. Smoking can cause damage to the sites and delay the healing process.
What are my next steps?
If you have questions about your specific circumstances and the time it will take for your gum graft procedure to heal, speak with your dentist today. They will be able to assess your situation and let you what you can expect after the gum grafting procedure.