Dr Michael Smith D.M.D.

What is Gum Grafting?

If you notice that your teeth are longer than usual and sometimes they are sensitive to either hot or cold, it could be a sign that your gums have receded. Gum recession makes the root of your tooth visible. This situation could be brought about by a number of factors such as genetics, gum disease, brushing aggressively, grinding or clenching your teeth. Gum tissue does not regrow on its own and the only available remedy is the gum graft surgery. There are so many questions that immediately come to mind when this procedure is mentioned. The chief among them are what is gum grafting and does gum grafting hurt? Below is an overview of this dental procedure as well as the simple ways of managing pain during it:

What is Gum Grafting?

Gum grafting is a type of a dental surgery procedure that is usually performed to correct the effects brought about by gum recession. The procedure itself is relatively simple and fast. It involves the removal of a healthy gum tissue from your mouth’s roof by a periodontist. The periodontist uses the healthy gum tissue to build your gum back in the areas it has receded. The gum grafting procedure is available to those in Murrieta, California, from StarWhite Dental. There three main types of gum grafting.

There is the connective tissue graft, which is the most common. It is usually done for multiple areas of recession. An underlying connective tissue is taken from a flap on the roof of the mouth before it is stitched on the exposed roots. The free gingival graft is usually carried out in individuals who have a gum tissue that is very thin. The periodontist gets a small piece of gum tissue from the palate and place it over the gum tissue near your tooth. If a large amount of tissue is required, then human tissue from another source can be used in its frozen state. Lastly, there is the pedicle graft where the gum tissue near the exposed roots is usually used for the procedure provided that it is healthy and thick.

Does Gum Grafting Hurt?

Does gum grafting hurt? This is the most common question that most people ask whenever the issue of gum graft is explained to them. Well the best answer to this pertinent question would be that there is some level of discomfort and swelling but not as painful as it seems. Your dentist will do his best to ensure that the whole procedure remains pain-free by using a local anesthetic. They also prescribe some pain medication to use when you reach home and the anesthetic wears off. Your Tempe dentist will also prescribe an effective pain medication and maybe an antibiotic to help in preventing infection to the area that was operated on.

Pain Management after the Surgery

In order to ensure that your gum graft procedure remains as pain-free as possible, you should observe a number of after-surgery instructions. You should place the gauze to stop bleeding on either side of the operated area but not atop it. You should keep off from physical activities within the first 24 hours after the surgery. You should try as much as possible to avoid pulling at your lips in order to view the operated area and do not remove the dressing. You should avoid brushing or taking hot or cold foods as well as drinks for a number of days after the surgery. You can use a mouth-rinse instead to clean your mouth as opposed to brushing the affected area. You can also take painkillers to help manage the pain because there will be a little pain and swelling. You can visit https://cheapweed.to for some herbal medications, making you feel relaxed and helping you manage the pain or ask for prescribed medication. Make sure you take your doses correctly and keep hydrated.

Conclusion

There will be no tooth loss in future due to gum recession. The points also serve as an eye opener to all people dealing with the question: does gum grafting hurt? There is no much pain involved only a little discomfort and maybe swelling but the benefits of undergoing this procedure overshadow these two drawbacks of gum grafting.