How to Prepare for Your Gum Graft Procedure

Has your doctor told you that you'll need a gum graft? The name sounds kind of scary, but there is nothing to worry about, it's not as bad as it lets on. It's a better option than dealing with receding gums, that's for sure.

Gum recession can cause sensitivity to your favorite cold and hot foods and eventually lead to tooth loss. So, the graft doesn't sound too bad now in comparison, does it? There is a little preparation that you'll have to do ahead a time though.

Here are just a few ways that you can prepare for your gum graft procedure and a couple of options available for you.

1. Why You May Need a Gum Graft Procedure

You'll need a gum graft surgery if your gums have started to recede past a point where it's becoming a problem. You can also get it if you just want a better smile as well.

There are a number of reasons why your gums may recede. One of them is because you have a periodontal disease, and another is genes. Certain people just have weaker gums. It's nothing that you can help.

2. Discuss the Different Procedures Available

There are several gum graft procedures that you can choose from. When you go in and talk to your doctor about the surgery they will lay them out on the table for you so you both can choose the best one for you.

Here are the three that are available.

Connective-Tissue Grafts

This is the easiest and most common of the three surgeries. The doctor will simply cut a flap of skin at the roof of your mouth. Tissue from under the flap will be taken away and added to the exposed root.

After everything is said and done, the doctor will stitch the roof of your mouth back together and you will be good to go.

Free Gingival Grafts

If you have fairly thin gums this will be the procedure that your doctor will most likely suggest. Again, tissue will be removed from the roof of your mouth, but it will be directly, a flap won't be cut.

The tissue that is removed will be applied to the gum that needs the treatment. This is the second most common of the treatments.

Pedicle Grafts

If you have plenty of gum tissue around the tooth that needs the treatment then your doctor may talk to you about this procedure. Instead of taking tissue from the roof of the mouth, tissue will be used from the gum around the tooth.

A small bit of the tissue will be cut and then dragged over the tooth that has the receding gum. When that is done, the doctor will stitch the gum into place.

3. Arrange Transportation Day of

This is a simple surgery but anesthetics will probably be used. It's because of this that you need to arrange a ride to and back. It won't be safe for you to handle a vehicle.

It's best to choose someone that you really trust because they will be listening to your aftercare instructions with you. If you're still groggy you might not get all of it so you'll need this person to relay it back to you.

4. Hit the Grocery Store

For the first few days after your surgery you won't be able to eat hard foods and even if you could, you wouldn't want to. You'll need to stock up on soft, easy to prepare foods.

Think mashed potatoes, jello, pasta, soup anything soft and squishy will do. These foods will also be easy to prepare for when you don't feel like getting out of bed.

5. You'll Miss Work

You won't be eating much when you get out of surgery and it will be pretty hard to talk. This won't put you in the best state to be working. Imagine working customer service, and your customers can't understand you.

You'll want to make your boss aware of your surgery beforehand and plan to take at least three days off so you can sit back and recover.

6. Ask Questions

Before the surgery, you will probably have a ton of questions. Don't be afraid to reach out to your surgeon or dentist. It's their job to tell you everything you need to know to make sure the process is as painless as possible.

You may just be feeling panicked about it so asking questions won't only inform you, but they can also give you a little peace of mind.

7. Learn About Upgrades

Sometimes you can upgrade to stronger anesthetics or a stent to prevent bleeding. Ask your surgeon about these upgrades even if you aren't sure if you'll be able to afford them.

Really, you won't know if you can't afford them until after you know how much they will add to the bill and some of them could be well worth the extra cash.

Every Thing You Need to Know About a Gum Graft Procedure

A Gum graft procedure is only scary by name. It's actually a very simple surgery that won't take too long, and the recovery time is only a few days. Even though it is an easy procedure, you'll still need to prepare for it.

Make sure you stock up on foods that are easy to eat, ask your doctor any questions, and learn about any upgrades that can make it go smoother.

Are you ready to forward with your gum graft procedure? Contact us to schedule an appointment.