Has Your Dentist Scheduled You For Soft Tissue Grafting? How To Ensure A Safe Recovery

If you're dealing with receding gums, and your dentist has recommended soft tissue grafting, you'll need to make sure you're prepared for the procedure. During the graft, your dentist will remove donor tissue from the roof of your mouth and surgically graft it to your affected gums. Your dentist will provide you with an anesthetic to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with the surgery. However, there will still be some discomfort following the procedure. Not only that, but you'll also have surgical wounds in your mouth that will need to be cared for. To help alleviate the discomfort and avoid complications, here are four important tips you should follow.

Stick with Soft Foods

When it comes to dental procedures, you're probably used to going back to a regular diet once your mouth is no longer numb. However, you won't be able to do that after soft tissue gum graft surgery. The wounds in your mouth will need to be protected, which means you should stick to a soft food diet until your dentist clears you for normal food. This is particularly important when it comes to foods that are difficult to chew or that contain sharp edges.

Avoid Using Your Toothbrush

After your surgery, you'll need to take care when it comes to keeping your mouth clean. The one thing you should remember is that you shouldn't use your toothbrush, no matter how soft the bristles are. The bristles can injure the soft tissue and can also rip the stitches that will have been placed in your mouth. Instead, carefully wipe the surface of your teeth with moistened medical gauze several times a day. If your dentist prescribes a mouth rinse, be sure to use that as prescribed.

Toss the Straws Out

If you're used to drinking from straws, you'll need to avoid those until given the go-ahead by your dentist. Straws can do considerable damage to the wounds inside your mouth, especially if you accidentally jab the end of the straw into your gums or the roof of your mouth. To avoid injuries, avoid using straws until your mouth has fully healed.

Watch for Signs of Infection

While you're recovering from your soft tissue graft, you'll need to pay close attention to the wound site. Soft tissue grafts can get infected if not cared for properly. If you develop increased pain or swelling, or you notice a foul odor coming from your mouth, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible.


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