Do gum grafts hurt? This is one of the most common questions we receive from our patients when discussing soft tissue grafting. At Northern Virginia Periodontics, we understand the natural fear and anxiety that can come with undergoing this kind of procedure, and we take these concerns very seriously. Our team will take every step to ensure you have the most comfortable experience possible.
It starts on the day of surgery. Our doctors take pride in utilizing the most advanced surgical techniques for all gum grafting procedures. We use the latest technology and the highest-quality equipment to provide our patients with the most minimally invasive treatment options. Our aim is to provide both optimal outcomes and an optimal patient experience.
The following protocol has been refined and adopted based on positive feedback coming directly from our patients over many years.
Use of a clear palatal stent. Prior to every grafting procedure, we take a digital impression of the roof of the mouth in order to fabricate a custom, lab-made stent that is ready for the day of your surgery. This stent will cover and protect your palate in the area the graft was taken from and is generally worn continuously for the first 72 hours after surgery. This stent is similar to a clear, nonintrusive Invisalign retainer with palatal coverage that is esthetically pleasing. This low-profile stent not only reduces post-operative discomfort significantly but also decreases the risk of post-surgical bleeding. We find that our patients often wear this stent for longer than the minimum times, because of how much more comfortable it is having it in.
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). On the day of the procedure, your doctor will draw blood, and use a centrifuge to produce a resilient fibrin mesh, as well as a liquid formulation. PRF is a completely natural biomaterial – it concentrates your body’s cells, which produce and release essential growth factors that reduce inflammation and accelerate the healing process. The PRF is used during surgery to speed up the recovery process, which also reduces the intensity and duration of any discomfort during the post-operative healing period.
Home care. Our team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for yourself after the procedure. Below are outlined a few of the key factors in the early healing period.
1. Medication: For general management of pain and inflammation, you will be advised to take 600mg of Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and 325mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) on an alternating schedule every 4-6 hours. Additionally, a narcotic (Tylenol #3, Percocet, Vicodin) will be prescribed as a backup, to use in place of the acetaminophen IF NEEDED. We find that most patients do not end up using this medication. Of course, your treating doctor will work with you to curate a custom medication schedule based on your individual health status and medication tolerance.
2. Nutrition: We encourage our patients to use food as medicine and eat foods that nourish/heal the body. Dietary restrictions after the procedure generally include hard, sharp, crunchy, and tough foods that can traumatize the healing graft areas during the first few weeks of recovery. Smoothies and milkshakes remain popular among our patients. Stews, soups, and bone broths are great options that can aid in healing and reduce inflammation. Keep in mind the food you consume should not be very hot in temperature. A general rule of thumb we offer is that if you can’t easily cut the food in half with a spoon, you should not have it. It is important to be patient with yourself and eat slowly during these first few weeks of recovery. And don’t forget to stay hydrated!
3. Rest: In the Northern Virginia area, we are constantly on the run, and often do not allow ourselves sufficient time to rest and rejuvenate. Being mindful of your body during this period of recovery is crucial. Make sure you give yourself enough time to rest and recover from your procedure. This usually means a few days off from work and extracurricular activities so that you can focus on healing. We generally advise avoiding heavy exercise for at least the first week. Alternatively, some patients with jobs that are less physical and/or do not have a lot of talking involved have described working the day or two after their procedure as a nice distraction during the initial phases of healing as it keeps the mind preoccupied.
Our team is committed to providing you with a painless experience. We are here to help make your gum grafting procedure and healing as easy as possible. So, do gum grafts hurt? Our patients at NVP routinely tell us that they are pleasantly surprised with how smooth their recoveries are. Call us today to book your consultation and see for yourself!
