A gum graft is a procedure that involves putting new gum tissue in a mouth area where gum tissue is receding or has already receded to a problematic point. This new tissue protects against or helps correct recession. 

If you experience gum recession, it might be caused by a long-term aggressive brushing, and, in some cases, having braces. People with thin gum tissue are also prone to gum recession. However, most cases of gum recession are caused by gum disease. Gum disease is an infection caused by certain bacteria and continuous mouth inflammation, or gingivitis (a mild form of gum disease that can be reversed if treated in time).

Over time, receding gums can open roots of your teeth making them prone to infection. Moreover, this can lead to tooth loss which means you’ll need dental implants. That’s why it’s crucial to pinpoint and treat gum recession in time. If you have this issue, here is what you need to know about gum graft surgery. 

1. Types of gum graft surgery

There are two main types of gum graft procedure: the gingival graft and the connective tissue graft. Both types involve taking tissue from a donor and attaching it to a recipient.

Using the patient’s own tissue is always better but not always possible. If your periodontist needs to cover the gum area of more than four teeth, for example, it means you may require the tissue from other sources. Consult your health care provider to figure out which procedure is best for you. 

2. Preparation for a gum graft procedure

Patients don’t have to prepare too much for their surgery, however, you’ll likely have some sort of consultation before a gum graft. Your doctor might also collect some documentation of your gum recession for insurance purposes. You’ll have a wound in your mouth for at least a week, therefore it’s a great idea to get prepared for a soft food diet. 

The most important thing is to make sure you know the root cause of gum recession. If you have thin gum tissue or had braces as a teen, there’s not much you can do about that. But if you’re sure the gum recession occurred due to poor dental hygiene or incorrect brushing habits, it’s important to fix this problem before the procedure.  Also, since gum graft is a surgical procedure, you need to completely treat all infections in your mouth before surgery.

You’ll likely get prescriptions (for antiseptic mouthwash, pain medication, and probably antibiotics), and you’ll want to have your pharmacy all set up.

A gum graft procedure is usually done using local anaesthesia injected directly into the gums. This will make you feel numb and swollen on that side of your face. This procedure can also be done under general anaesthesia.

3. Dietary changes after the procedure

Patients don’t usually feel much pain right after the surgery. As the local anaesthesia wears off, the pain may become worse. Therefore, try to get your prescriptions immediately after the procedure and you’ll be able to take your first dose of pain medication before the anaesthesia completely goes.

The first three days might be hard and swelling usually peaks on the third day. You may also have slight bleeding on the first day. You need to avoid brushing and flossing in the surgical areas for a week. During that time you have to use an antiseptic mouthwash to keep the area clear of bacteria.

Don’t eat anything on the affected side of your mouth for a week or two and avoid hard and irritating foods (hot, cold, and spicy foods).  

Include different smoothies, yogurt, and pudding to your diet. Once your swelling goes down you can start eating small pieces of roasted chicken, cooked vegetables or hard-boiled eggs.

The good news is that complications are usually rare. However, if you have bleeding after the first day, experience severe pain, or a fever, talk to your healthcare provider ASAP.

4. Results of gum graft surgery

You’ll need to visit your periodontist often after a week, to make sure your gums are healing well. Your doctor will allow you to start brushing with a baby toothbrush or will ask you to wait until the end of the second week. After another week, you can be back to brushing and flossing as usual.

You’ll see the first results after three weeks but it won’t heal completely for six weeks after the surgery. Moreover, you should keep in mind that you won’t see the full benefits of gum graft until the tissue completely heals, which can take up to six months.