How painful is a skin graft in the mouth?

The actual gum grafting procedure is painless. This is because a local anesthetic is used to numb the affected area. A periodontist, who is a dental specialist in gum disease and the gums, typically performs this procedure. You may instead feel some movement or pressure as your periodontist performs the procedure.

How is a skin graft done in the mouth?

In a gum graft, your periodontist first removes a piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth or from nearby healthy gum tissue. They next attach it to the area where your gums have worn away. This procedure is relatively quick, and you can leave as soon as it’s done.

What is dental skin grafting?

A dental skin graft is a minimally-invasive surgery that helps with receding gums. Gum recession is where the tissue in your mouth pulls away from a tooth or from teeth, exposing the tooth’s root.

Do you get put to sleep for gum graft?

During your gum graft surgery, you’ll probably be awake like most people, or perhaps opt to be sedated. Most patients do not require anything more than local anesthetics to numb the area. Once the area is numb you will only feel slight applied pressure but will not feel pain or sharpness.

What can you not do after a gum graft?

Homecare:

Please do NOT play with the surgery area with your fingers or tongue.
Do NOT pull down the lip or cheek to look at the area and do not have someone else look at the area.
Do NOT use a drinking straw, as the suction may dislodge the blood clot.
Avoid extremely hot foods.

How long after gum graft can I eat normally?

When can I eat my regular diet after a gum graft? Typically, your gum graft should heal within 14 days. After that, you can resume eating as you wish.

How do I know if my gum graft failed?

Symptoms

Patient may experience pain, described as a constant dull ache or sharper pain during mastication or speaking (movement of oral and peri-oral tissues).
Patient experiences anxiety over procedure and perceived lack of success.