Patients are generally expected to leave for home after the completion of this surgical procedure. But, if a sedative is used for promoting relaxation, the patient may consider making arrangements in advance so that somebody else can drive him/her home.
Typically, the dentist provides the patient with guidelines or instructions on postoperative care. These guidelines are usually based on the patient’s dietary needs, physical-activity considerations as well as the use of medications. Furthermore, the patient is asked to avoid brushing or flossing the gum line until the healing phase ends. The patient is advised to use a special rinse for rinsing the mouth so that plaque buildup can be controlled during the phase of healing, and he/she may be given an antibiotic for reducing the chances of developing infectious diseases.
After a week or more of the grafting procedure, the patient may start eating soft or cool foods like pasta, eggs, yogurt, cheese as well as ice cream. The intensity of pain following the surgical procedure is based on the kind of gum graft done. If the procedure doesn’t involve removal of tissue from the palate, there shouldn’t be a lot of discomfort following the procedure. But, if the procedure involves tissue removal from the palate, the patient may experience discomfort for a couple of days after the surgery. The wound on the mouth’s roof is generally characterized by burning sensations. But on the brighter side, the healing process is quick. Usually, the dentist prescribes over-the-counter drugs or pain medication to offer relief from post-operative pain. Although it may take some weeks for the mouth to be healed completely, the patient can resume day-to-day activities following the surgical procedure.
If any unusual signs are observed after the surgical procedure, the dentist should be consulted immediately. If bleeding doesn’t stop following the application of pressure for 20 minutes, the dentist should be consulted as soon as possible. Similarly, if unusual pain or inflammation is observed following post-operative care, the dentist should be reported.
The cost of this surgical procedure typically depends on the amount of work done during the procedure. The patient should discuss his/her cost concerns with the dentist to learn more about the different payment options available.
Although gum tissue grafts typically produce effective results in terms of gum recession repair and damage prevention, it isn’t guaranteed that gum problems will not be experienced again. It should be noted that regular dental examinations and proper oral hygiene practices could help prevent further damage that may require surgery. Gum disease can also be prevented by brushing the teeth two times everyday and using a fluoride-based toothpaste. The teeth should be flossed on a regular basis and a healthy diet should be consumed. Furthermore, smoking should be avoided. Visiting the dentist for routine checkups and getting professional dental cleanings is very important to avoid the need of another gum tissue graft.