3rd day until 2 weeks after surgery: A very soft food diet should only be eaten (Pasta, soups, eggs, fish, cooked soft vegetables, oatmeal, rice, beans etc.) Avoid any hard, spicy, crusty, coffee or acidic foods. Chewing should be done on the side opposite the surgical site.
You should use utensils and avoid chewing at the surgical site for 2 weeks. DO NOT SKIP MEALS. If you take nourishment regularly, you will feel better, gain strength, have less discomfort, and heal faster. Plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day of surgery and the following day.
Gum graft surgery is a dental procedure for treating thinning gums or gum recession. Gum grafting covers exposed teeth roots and adds volume to your gum line, improving overall oral health. Recovery usually takes one week to two weeks, but it may take longer.
Most patients will be fully healed from a gum graft procedure within two weeks but could take up to a month. A follow-up appointment with the doctor a week after the procedure will be needed to ensure the graft was successful and patient is properly healing.
Another fact that will help put your mind at ease is that the recovery process after a gum graft is usually short. It's common to have some soreness in the surgical area for a day or so afterward. But you'll most likely feel well enough to return to your usual activities a few days after surgery.
It is not unusual to have discomfort for at least the first week following your surgical procedure. The average patient experiences at least a moderate amount of pain and/or discomfort 1-3 days following periodontal surgery.
Periodontal Cosmetic Procedures Instructions
Avoid hot foods for the 1st day (hot soups, coffee, tea) as they will increase swelling to the treated area(s). Warm foods can be consumed on the 2nd day.
Soft bread and grains are excellent after surgery, including white bread, wheat bread, flatbread, and flour tortilla. Grains like oatmeal, cream of wheat, rice, pasta noodles, and saltines are also suitable foods.
Sutures (stitches) will usually have to be removed approximately 10 days to 2 weeks following your surgery.
Here are some healthy foods that can aid in healing after gum graft surgery: Lean proteins: options such as chicken, fish, and tofu can aid tissue repair and recovery. Zinc-rich foods: Zinc is necessary for tissue repair and aids in wound healing.
One reason we recommend yogurt for oral surgery patients is that it is both soft and cold. With most oral surgeries, the mouth is going to be swollen and sore. Soft foods are needed so that you can eat without having to move your jaw up and down in a chewing motion.
DRINK WATER
Drinking fluids following oral surgery will also speed up the healing process and help to prevent conditions like dry socket. However, when drinking liquids, do so by sipping on a cup or bottle. Do not use a straw, as the suction could dislodge any dressings on the wound.
Cleaning the Area Around the Gum Graft
Your dentist will recommend salt water rinses with warm salt water, 4 to 5 times a day for 7 to 14 days. Gently rinse your mouth with a mixture of a half teaspoon of salt in an eight ounce glass of warm, not hot, water. No swishing - this can disrupt healing.
Throughout your surgery, you can expect to feel no pain whatsoever, as the anesthesia will ensure you are thoroughly numb. However, once you are home and the effects have worn off, it is not uncommon to experience some soreness and discomfort. Fortunately, there are ways to manage the pain and avoid complications.
It is common to experience some pain following gum flap surgery. Some people also get anxiety issues about their perception of pain after the surgery. To help reduce both conditions, dentists can prescribe some pain medications for the recovery period.
For most procedures, most patients report 2-3 ibuprofen( Motrin or Advil) or 1-2 extra-strength acetaminophen (Tylenol) is adequate to control pain.
Your periodontist will ask you to keep the gauze in place for the first 40 to 50 minutes, reducing the risk of bleeding. You should also refrain from speaking. While you may feel up to chatting, it's best to wait 2 or 3 days unless otherwise advised by a dentist.
Oral Surgery Infection Symptoms
Throbbing pain that will not go away even though you use pain medications. You might develop a fever that may persist for more than a day or increase after a few days.
While a gum graft procedure isn't considered major surgery, it does require some recovery time and short-term modifications to your diet.
The Best Sleeping Position
When it comes to sleeping position following dental surgery, it is a good idea to make sure to elevate the head. A good angle to achieve while sleeping is 45 degrees. You should sleep in the position for the first 36 to 48 hours following the surgery.
Beginning a Few Days After Surgery
We often recommend nothing more strenuous than a leisurely walk for at least 4 or 5 days. After that, you can slowly begin to increase the intensity of your exercise sessions.