Hi! Dr Jimmy here from New Gisborne Dental House, part of the Dental House Group.
If you’ve been dealing with extremely sensitive or bleeding gums, and your dentist has recommended gum grafting surgery, you might be wondering, how long does the recovery take? Totally fair question! It’s always good to know what to expect before heading into any procedure.
First things first, let’s talk about what gum grafting is.
It’s a procedure we use to cover tooth roots that have been exposed due to gum recession. The goal is to protect your teeth, reduce sensitivity, and prevent further recession. And while the word “surgery” might sound a little intimidating, gum grafting is actually a routine treatment with great long-term benefits for your oral health.
Now, onto recovery.
Right after surgery, it’s completely normal to feel a bit sore or swollen. The initial healing phase typically lasts about one to two weeks. During this time, your gums start to reattach and begin the regeneration process.
The key? Follow your post-op instructions carefully. Stick to soft foods, take it easy, and keep things clean without disturbing the area.
By week three or four, most people feel a lot more comfortable and can start getting back to normal routines. That said, full healing and gum integration may take a few months, so don’t worry if things still feel a little tender for a while. Your follow-up appointments will help us track your progress and make sure everything’s going smoothly.
Wondering what you should eat during recovery? Think mashed potatoes, smoothies, scrambled eggs, basically anything soft and gentle on your gums. Avoid spicy, crunchy foods, and if you smoke, now’s a great time to quit, because smoking can really slow healing.
Your dentist might also recommend a gentle antibacterial rinse to help keep things clean while avoiding irritation to the surgical site.
At New Gisborne Dental House, we’ll support you through every step, from your consultation to your recovery. And if needed, we can walk you through available payment plans to help make things easier.
So, if you’ve got concerns about receding gums or want to know if gum grafting is right for you, just give us a call on 1800 GENTLE, or send us a DM and we’ll help organise your consultation. We’ll see you soon!
