Soft Tissue Grafting  Procedure, Recommendations, & Aftercare

Exposed roots can be painful & can affect the appearance of your smile!

Have your dentist or orthodontist informed you that you require a soft tissue graft?

You might be on the verge of panic because gum grafts sound far more serious than they are. It is, however, a procedure to protect your teeth from the negative effects of gum recession. If you want to improve your smile, you can get a soft tissue graft and a restorative dentistry cosmetic procedure. 

Many people suffer from receding gums, which causes gum recession and exposes the tooth’s root. The recession can damage the supporting bone and is a common problem that affects 4 to 12% of adults without being noticed unless it becomes severe.

Understand why soft tissue transplants are crucial operations to keep the mouth healthy: 

  • Reduce sensitivity in the affected area;
  • Cover an exposed root;
  • Enhance the appearance of the tooth; and/or
  • Avoid difficulties in the future.

We provide a solution for patients of all ages struggling with receding gums.

Depending upon your needs, a transplant of your own tissue or donor tissue can be done to compromised or fragile areas of your smile.

Recommendations before surgery:

  • Bring some music you would like to listen to be more relaxed.
  • A pain reliever will be prescribed, as well as mouth rinses following surgery. If you are currently taking any medications, take them as prescribed.
  • Make small meals before the surgery.
  • A soft diet is suggested a few days following your procedure. Examples of soft foods are plates of pasta, soup, baked potatoes, etc… Try to avoid chips, popcorn, spicy foods, and any other sharp foods.
  • Slight bleeding will occur after your surgery. Remember to protect your sheets and pillowcases before going to bed as some bleeding will occur after surgery.
  • Place some wet washcloths in a ziplock bag and put them in the freezer. These are great ice packs.
  • Inform previously about any recent changes in your medical history.

MORE QUESTIONS?

Your post-operative care and instructions will be reviewed by a staff member immediately following your surgery.

After your surgery it’s suggested the following: 

  • Apply an ice pack to the face on the treated side for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off until bedtime. Sleep with your head slightly elevated with two pillows.
  • For two to five days, mild edema and potential discoloration are to be anticipated. If there is no bleeding after the second day, use hot, wet soaks.
  • When treating discomfort, painkillers should be taken as prescribed. Please give us a call whenever you have severe discomfort. Once you feel more at ease, you can go to Tylenol Extra Strength. Ibuprofen and painkillers can be taken alternately every two hours as needed to treat pain.
  • Do not consume alcohol for 48 hours following surgery.
  • Please refrain from smoking after surgery. Tobacco smoke irritates healing tissue and reduces blood circulation, both of which are necessary for proper healing. Avoid smoking for as long as possible.
  • We ask that you refrain from any intense exercise on the day of the surgery and that you have a ‘light day’ the first day after surgery. After the first post-surgical day, use your best judgment.
  • After surgery, avoid rinsing. For the next 24 hours, avoid eating or drinking anything that is extremely hot.
  • Large glasses of liquid should be consumed. DON’T DRINK WITH A STRAW. To heal properly, you must eat nutritious foods. Make sure to include soft, high-protein foods in your diet, such as eggs, baked fish, chicken, turkey, vegetables, fruits, and soup. AVOID foods that are hard, sharp, spicy, salty, fried, or extremely hot. Chew on the opposite side of the treated area.
  • It is critical to maintain a clean mouth. Brush your teeth thoroughly, but avoid brushing the treated side. You have “Q-tips” at your disposal. Dip Q-tips in the prescribed mouth rinse and gently clean the gums and teeth that were treated today. A mouth rinse containing chlorhexidine will be prescribed. Please follow the instructions.
  • For the first 24 hours, there will be some minor bleeding. Do not rinse if bleeding occurs. Warm water should be applied to a gauze pad or an unused tea bag. Place it over the affected area and press firmly for 10 minutes. If necessary, repeat.

  • A mild fever or chills are possible. Do not be concerned unless the fever lasts more than 24 hours. A persistent low-grade temperature or one that exceeds 102 degrees Fahrenheit should be reported.

We are here to help. Contact us immediately in case of excessive bleeding, severe pain present, and or noticeable swelling.

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