A gum graft in Islamabad is a treatment used to cure gum recession and other diseases. Receding gums make teeth more sensitive. The surgeon places tissue with roots onto the gum area during a gum grafting procedure. But people wonder what the safest way to heal a gum graft is.
Follow post-operative instructions carefully:
The most important step towards getting a quick recovery after the gum graft is to follow instructions provided by the dentist. These are normally brushing, flossing, eating and drinking, use of drugs, and exercising.
Take prescribed medications: If your dentist has prescribed painkillers or antibiotics remember to take proper dosage.
Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene:
Dental care is important to avoid increasing the chances of getting an infection while allowing the gum tissue to heal after the graft.
Avoid brushing the grafted area: Do not brush the grafted area directly or use a floss some days after surgery.
Use a mouth rinse: You may be prescribed a mouthwash to prevent bacterial growth in that particular area.
Resume normal brushing gradually: After getting the approval of your dentist you can resume regular brushing and flossing around the grafted area but softly.
You should understand that diet also has a major impact on the process of recovery after gum grafting. For the first week or two avoid putting heavy pressure on the graft by chewing only soft foods. Take foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and smoothies: These foods do not require a lot of chewing and they are ideal when you are nursing sore gum due to use of the dental braces.
Soups and broths: Ensure they are not very hot because heat often triggers inflammation at the grafting place.
Protein-rich foods: This is very important for tissue repair; consume soft proteins such as eggs, fish, or protein milkshakes.
Vitamins and minerals: Ingredients like vitamin C, calcium, and zinc are healthy and assist in the healing process. These you can obtain from soft fruits such as bananas or avocados or through supplements if prescribed by your dentist.
Reduce intake of foods that are hard and spicy, or acidic choices may cause irritation to the graft site or interfere with the healing process. In addition, do not use straws because their suction is likely to displace the graft.
Avoid Physical Activity and Smoking:
After a gum graft surgery avoid doing physical activities.
- Avoid strenuous exercises or activities that may increase heart rates are prohibited.
- If you already smoke then you should quit smoking. It harms the body’s ability to heal and may lead to problems such as infection or graft failure.
Use Cold Compresses for Swelling:
Swelling is a condition that needs the best way of treating by using cold compresses. Tissue swelling is a frequent postoperative complication after surgery in the area of gums and starts after the first 48 hours. One of the simplest and most effective ways to manage this is by using a cold compress:
Apply cold packs to your face: Apply an ice bag outside of your cheek over the site of the graft for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. This will settle inflammation and also give relief for pain.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is good anyway, but especially relevant in the postoperative period after gum surgery or gum grafting.
Drink plenty of water: Make sure to not drink less than eight to ten glasses of water in a day. Refilling the cells with water helps healing of tissues and eradication of toxins in the body system.
Monitor for Signs of Complications
Contact your dentist immediately if you notice any of the following:
Excessive bleeding: Slight bleeding is expected during the first couple of days after surgery, but if the bleeding continues or is more than slight, there may be a problem.
Signs of infection: Other signs that may indicate infection include graft edema, erythema, pus discharge at the graft area, and fevers.
Severe pain: If pain lasts longer than physical pain should or if you notice it increasing, visit the dentist.
Final Thought:
Gum grafting is a procedure that should be done by a professional dentist, to avoid further complications due to infection and rapid healing from the procedure. However, there are precautions you have to take to enhance quick healing and guarantee the successful result of the procedure. You should follow the given instructions by the dentist, practice proper hygiene, and take only soft and healthy meals. Avoid smoking or engaging in some activities that may put pressure on the gums.
If you are considering gum graft you should visit SKN Cosmetics and consult with our best dental surgeon Dr Usama Hayat Ghouri to know the healing procedure after gum graft for a brighter smile and healthier gums.
