Making changes to your smile often results in an improved appearance and boosted confidence. But before you can begin to feel good about your new look, you must complete the healing process. What does recovering from gum reconstruction in Scripps Ranch look like? A dentist explains what you can expect and why you’ll be pleased with the results.
Why is Gum Reconstruction Necessary?
If you are suffering from health problems related to your oral tissues, it may be necessary to undergo a gum reconstruction procedure. Your dentist in Scripps Ranch will want to examine your oral cavity to determine if you are indeed a qualified candidate before recommending such a procedure.
In many cases, patients who require this type of treatment often lack sufficient gum tissue because of:
• Hard, aggressive brushing
• Facial trauma or soft-tissue lacerations
• Gum disease
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Smoking
• Poorly aligned teeth
By performing a gum graft, your periodontist can improve your oral health by effectively covering your tooth roots and better protecting you from sensitivity, periodontal disease, and potential tooth or bone loss in the future.
How to Heal Properly After Gum Reconstruction
Once your dentist determines how to move forward with your treatment, you will have one of three surgical procedures performed: a connective tissue graft, free gingival graft, or pedicle graft. No matter which one is selected, there are certain steps you will need to follow when recovering from gum reconstruction. These include:
• Getting plenty of rest. The more you rest early on, the quicker your recovery will go.
• Drink lots of water. Your body will need to remain hydrated, especially in the first few days when rest and limited physical activity is essential.
• Maintain good oral hygiene. You’ll want to continue brushing and flossing, but you need to be gentle and avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol. Instead, use an alcohol-free rinse or just warm salt water to thoroughly clean the area.
• Manage pain and swelling. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever and use a cold compress to reduce swelling and minimize discomfort, as you will most certainly feel soreness once the anesthesia wears off.
• Eat soft foods. In the first week, it’s best to eat softer foods to avoid irritating your oral tissues. Yogurt, eggs, cooked vegetables, and soft pasta are excellent choices. You’ll need to stay away from hard, crunchy, or spicy foods, and forgo anything that contains small seeds like strawberries, kiwis, or popcorn, as these can irritate the gum tissue.
By following these instructions, you can be back on your feet in 7-10 days. While this timeframe will vary between patients, your oral health will be much better off once you are done recovering from gum reconstruction.
About the Practice
MOD Squad Dental is all about The MOD Squad Focus. Designed by Dr. Greg Friedman, our focus is customized for each patient, utilizing his more than 26 years of advanced dental knowledge and experience with state-of-the-art technology for all aspects of cosmetic and family dentistry. If you are interested in gum reconstruction, we can help expose more of your natural tooth structure and eliminate unnecessary gum tissue that increases your risk of periodontal disease. Schedule a consultation on our website or call (858) 682-2394.
