How Painful is Gum Grafting?
If your dentist has recommended gum grafting, you might be a bit fearful of all that it entails. Gum graft treatment is a simple but delicate dental procedure. Designed to be performed using the autogenous technique, in which the grafted gum tissue comes from the patient himself, it can also use alternative biosynthetic materials obtained from animal tissues, or it can be from completely synthetic materials. Regardless of the materials used in the graft, the number one question we get asked is “Will a gum graft hurt?”. Here, we will go over what you may feel during the procedure and what you can expect afterward.
Gum Grafting and Pain
It is important to note that although pain varies from person to person, the level of discomfort during and after a gum grafting procedure is generally manageable and can be controlled with over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers. Since there are a few stages of the grafting surgery, we are addressing each of these stages and the common things we hear about pain during different parts of the whole process.
During the procedure
- Local anesthesia: The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, which means that the area where the graft will be made (usually the gums) will be numb, and you will not feel pain while the dentist or periodontist performs the graft.
- Sensations: You may feel some pressure or discomfort, but severe pain should not be a problem due to the anesthesia.
After the procedure
- Initial pain and discomfort: When the anesthesia wears off, there may be some discomfort for the first 24 to 48 hours. The pain is usually described as a burning, stinging, or dull ache in the area of the graft and in the donor area (if the graft is taken from the roof of the mouth).
- Sensitive gums: Gums may be sensitive and swollen for a few days, especially when chewing or touching the treated area.
- Pain medications: The dentist usually prescribes or recommends the use of pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and discomfort. In some cases, if the pain is more severe, a stronger painkiller may be prescribed.
- Possible minor complications: Some people experience light bleeding, bruising, or swelling in the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, but this tends to improve over time.
Recovery phase
- Swelling and ongoing discomfort: Swelling may persist for up to 1 week, and the pain usually gradually subsides after the first few days.
- Post-operative care: Correctly following post-operative care instructions (such as avoiding hard, hot or acidic foods, and avoiding brushing directly on the graft area) is essential to minimize discomfort and speed recovery.
Long-term recovery
- Gradual improvement: The pain decreases considerably after the first week, and the treated area begins to heal. Full recovery of the gums and the disappearance of discomfort can take 1 to 3 months, depending on how the body responds to the procedure.
- Tenderness in the graft area: Even after the initial pain subsides, there may be some tenderness in the graft area, especially when consuming hot, cold or acidic foods, but this should improve over time.
In Conclusion
While gum grafting is not without a bit of pain, we do our best to make sure you are comfortable in all stages of this procedure and are available if you are experiencing a lot of discomfort and pain. Contact us today to find out about gum grafting and how we can make it the most positive experience possible for you and the beauty of your smile!