A gum graft replaces gum tissue lost to periodontal recession to improve esthetics, reduce sensitivity, reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities, and stabilize and protect teeth roots. Though patients of any age may need a gum graft, they’re most common in people over 50 years of age. Overall, gum grafting has a high success rate of 90%.

Expect to take one or two days off work, and avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for two weeks during gum graft surgery recovery. The third or fourth day after surgery will likely be the peak for discomfort and swelling. Use moist heat, 15 minutes on/off, on the cheek or lip to help reduce swelling, and take pain medication as prescribed (not just as needed, to stay ahead of pain). 

In 10-14 days, you’ll return to our Denver dental office so the dentist can remove the stitches from your gum graft. Note that if the graft is harvested from your palate, your palate may take two months or longer to fully heal, and it may burn for a few weeks. We will provide a palate stent to minimize bleeding and help keep the graft site clean.

Now, let’s dive into the dos and don’ts of gum graft surgery recovery.

Do This 

  • Use the chlorhexidine mouthwash we prescribe, as directed
  • Limit talking, eating, and drinking
  • Place gauze on either side of (not directly on) the graft when it bleeds
  • Rest 
  • Elevate your head above your heart
  • Eat a soft, room-temperature diet (yogurt, mashed vegetables, omelets, pasta, smoothies, etc.)
  • Stay hydrated
  • Take pain meds as prescribed (not as needed)
  • Place a cold compress on your cheek or lips, over the surgical site, four times a day for 15 minutes each time
  • Use moist heat to reduce swelling after the first three days
  • Brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth carefully after day two, avoiding the surgical site
  • Be careful around energetic children and pets

Do Not Do This

  • Pull your lip down to view the surgical site (for one week)
  • Forcibly spit (cause suction/pressure in mouth)
  • Brush gum tissue or floss for one week (then gently until week three)
  • Chew food on the surgical site
  • Drink/eat hot foods or beverages the first few days
  • Eat hard or crunchy foods Spotify promotion
  • Drink carbonated or alcoholic beverages
  • Work your tongue over the surgical site
  • Lay on the side of your face where the surgery was performed
  • Use a straw
  • Smoke
  • Lift anything over 10 lbs
  • Participate in strenuous activity or exercise
  • Remove the blood clot from the surgical site

Call the Dentist If…

  • Bleeding won’t stop after 20 minutes of applying pressure
  • Grafted tissue turns gray and peels away or off
  • You notice a foul odor (after brushing and flossing)
  • Pain, swelling, and bruising continue or increase after day five
  • You develop a fever over 101 degrees

Answers to Your Gum Graft Surgery Recovery Questions

In Denver, CO, the Metro Dental Center dentists provide a full-scope periodontal program. We help patients avoid gum disease and cavities while keeping gum tissue strong and healthy. If you’ve been told you need a gum graft, call us today at 303-534-2626 for a second opinion visit or for answers to all of your gum graft surgery recovery questions. We believe that the more you know, the better equipped you’ll be, and the smoother your recovery will progress.