After a gum graft

The first day

• Some oozing or pink saliva is normal for a day or two. If bleeding continues, fold clean gauze or a damp black tea bag, place it on the area, and press firmly for 30 minutes.
• Hold a cold pack, wrapped in a cloth, against your face near the treated area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off while you are awake.
• Rest, and keep your head raised on pillows the first night.
• Avoid hot food and drinks until the numbness wears off, so you do not burn or bite your cheek or tongue.

Protecting the graft

• Do not pull your lip or cheek to look at the graft. Stretching the tissue can disturb it.
• Do not brush or floss the grafted teeth until Dr. Smith says you can. Brush and clean between the rest of your teeth normally.
• Use the mouth rinse you were given, as directed.
• If you were given a plate for the roof of your mouth, wear it as instructed and clean it daily.

Eating

• Eat soft foods for about a week, such as yogurt, eggs, pasta, and soup that is warm rather than hot.
• Chew on the other side of your mouth.
• Avoid crunchy, hard, or spicy foods and small seeds that can lodge near the graft.

Activity

• Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours.
• Avoid contact sports and anything that could knock your mouth for two to four weeks.

What to expect

• Swelling usually peaks two to three days after surgery and settles over about two weeks.
• Discomfort usually improves within a week. The roof of the mouth is often more tender than the graft.
• The graft may look pale or white at first. This is a normal part of healing.
• Stitches either dissolve on their own or are removed at your follow-up visit.

Medicines

• Take any medicines exactly as Dr. Smith prescribed or recommended, and finish every antibiotic you were given.
• If you take a blood thinner or other regular medicines, follow the plan you discussed before treatment.

Smoking and alcohol

• Avoid smoking and vaping while you heal. They slow healing and raise the risk of problems.
• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours, and while you are taking prescription pain medicine.

When to call the office

• Bleeding that does not slow after 30 minutes of firm pressure
• Pain or swelling that gets worse after the third day instead of better
• A fever
• Pus, or a bad taste or smell that does not go away
• Numbness that has not worn off by the next day
• A reaction to a medicine, such as a rash, itching, or an upset stomach that does not settle
• The graft moves or seems to come loose
• Bleeding from the roof of your mouth that does not stop with pressure

Gum grafts: cost, discomfort, and recovery →