How Long Does It Take Gum Grafting to Heal?

Having receding gums is something that happens as part of the natural process of aging. Gum grafting is a solution available when some cases are worse than others. Gum recession impacts the visual perception of your natural smile because it will take your teeth-to-gum ratio out of balance. More importantly, it might also have oral health implications. Gums receding expose the roots of your teeth. The solid surface enamel that protects the crown is not present on the root, so this increases sensitivity and bone loss. It might also result in the loss of a tooth. Gum grafts are often recommended, common, and beneficial. Your recovery and healing depend on your ability to heal, the extent of the grafting, the donor source of your grafting tissue, and your own self-control in following your recovery instructions.

Causes that Accelerate Gum Recession

Gum grafting may be necessary for some adults but not others because of the effects of gum or periodontal disease. This is usually the result of an accumulation of plaque on your teeth, which is the primary source of gum infection. Your at-home poor oral hygiene habits may not have kept up with the plaque buildup. All tobacco products are tough on your gum tissue, and so is diabetes. Your genetics also influence the health of your gums, and even your toothbrushing techniques contribute to gum recession. By brushing aggressively with a stiff-bristled toothbrush, you will accelerate gum recession.

The Gum Grafting Procedure

A simple and common process, the area to be restored will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Your dentist has three sources for your donor tissue. They will often take some tissue from your palate or the roof of your mouth. Sometimes there might be excess soft tissue available in your gum itself, and the third source could be a tissue bank. The grafting tissue is sutured into the area of need, and the source site is sutured also. Your primary goal through your healing process is to protect the sutures.

The Recovery or Healing from Gum Grafting

You must follow strict instructions for a week or two. That is when your check-up will be scheduled to monitor and review your healing process. During the first week, you will not brush your teeth near the suture sites. You might also experience some soreness and discomfort for a few days after the surgery. It will also be beneficial to maintain a diet of soft foods, minimizing biting and chewing. It is also suggested that you monitor your food and drink temperatures, favoring colder food and drink. In only two short weeks, you will be able to brush again, and your gums will be totally healed within a month.

The Benefits of Gum Grafting

A huge health implication is saving your teeth by minimizing bone loss. There is also the value of your smile that is overlooked or taken for granted. Gum grafting will restore the proper ratio of teeth to gums for a healthy appearance of your smile. A healthy smile influences so many facets of your life. It is considered the foundation for your self-confidence and self-esteem. Collaborate with your dentist in establishing good, at-home oral hygiene habits.

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