If you’ve been told that you need a gum graft, don’t worry, you are not alone. About 2 in 5 adults are affected by some form of periodontal (gum) disease. While many techniques can solve this problem, one of the most promising and effective methods is gum graft surgery.
While the gingival recession is difficult to identify early, it is possible to control and rectify the problem with gum graft surgery by the best dentist in North London.
We will talk about what you should know before, during, and after the surgery. Let’s understand what gum recession is.
What is the Gum Recession?
Gum recession is generally a slow and gradual process. The gum tissues around your teeth begin to wear off, exposing the root of your teeth. When the root gets exposed, it becomes susceptible to bacteria.
As the gum line starts getting pulled away, the teeth become vulnerable to dentin hypersensitivity. Besides, the accumulation of gum abscess also makes the tooth weak and abrasive.
Ask an experienced dentist in North London, and they’ll tell you that brushing your teeth twice every day is a good habit. But they’ll also tell you that ‘going hard’ on your teeth and gums is not the best technique to keep your teeth clean.
Aggressive brushing and wearing braces for extended periods are thought to contribute to gum recession. Now we will talk about what you should expect before, during, and after the gum graft surgery.
Before the Gum Graft Surgery
Your periodontist would discuss and explain in detail your gum recession and the surgery options. Once you have booked the procedure, there isn’t much you can do in terms of preparation.
Pro Tip: Stock up on easily chewable soft foods that will come in handy after the surgery.
You will have to arrange for someone to drop and pick you up from the dentist since you’ll be given an anaesthetic which could make you feel drowsy.
During the Surgery
The dentist will first numb your mouth before going ahead with the procedure. So, if you have any queries regarding the process, the right time to ask is before the treatment begins.
The procedure type depends on your particular problem. Depending on your need, you could have a connective tissue graft, pedicle graft or a gingival graft. The periodontist will either use donor tissue or remove a piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth.
Once the surgery is done, the periodontist will wash your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash.
After the Surgery
You can leave the dentist’s office soon after the surgery. You should, however, have someone drive you home. You will be given instructions about the best methods of caring for your wound, such as:
- Expect to feel pain, numbness, and bleeding from the graft site for a few hours after the surgery.
- Except for swelling at the surgery side of your face for a few days.
- Eat soft, cold foods that don’t damage the graft site.
- Avoid eating hot, spicy, and irritating foods.
- Avoid brushing and flossing in the surgery area until instructed by your dentist.
- Use over-the-counter pain medications if you are in too much pain.
Wrapping Up
Gum graft surgery is a relatively standard proven procedure to deal with gingival recession. Do not treat gum recession as a trivial matter; reach out to the nearest emergency dentist in North London if you feel you have advanced gum disease, excessive bleeding, hypersensitivity and severe pain.
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