Gum Graft - any advice?

[K8's Fate]

So today I just went through dental surgery and had a gum graft. Tissue was taken fron the upper hard part of my mouth's palette, and sewn onto my lower front gum. I have a receding gum below my lower front tooth. Caused by thin gum (genetics). The graft is supposed to help save the tooth, and strengthen my gum.

So...has anyone ever had this procedure done?

I'm in a lot of pain right now. The pain meds help a bit. I really don't want the gum graft to not take. Wondering what others recovery experiences may have been like. I'm not supposed to do anything strenuous. Looks like I have an excuse to spend more time on SCs.

[KaraMA]

I went through it twice because the first time it didn't take. It also didn't take the second time so I just gave up and now it is worse than it was before.

I do remember that it healed really quickly both times. I hope yours takes and that you are feeling better soon.

[K8's Fate]

I went through it twice because the first time it didn't take. It also didn't take the second time so I just gave up and now it is worse than it was before.

I do remember that it healed really quickly both times. I hope yours takes and that you are feeling better soon.

Thanks KaraMA

I'm glad the healing went quickly, but I'm so sorry yours didn't take. I think that's what I'm worried about the most.

[itchy54]

ack...I had two done about 15-20 years ago....the worst thing i have ever experienced. For me the procedure was terrible, the needles in the roof of the mouth had tears just streaming down my face.
I did live through it though and both of mine took just fine. It was such a long time ago that I do not remember the recovery time.
I just shudder at the experience though...brutal.

[marstec]

I had one done years ago...it felt like I had burned the roof of my mouth. Not sure if I really needed it, I found out later that the dentist was a crook - and that was one of his money-making schemes. Hope you feel better soon.

[K8's Fate]

ack...I had two done about 15-20 years ago....the worst thing i have ever experienced. For me the procedure was terrible, the needles in the roof of the mouth had tears just streaming down my face.
I did live through it though and both of mine took just fine. It was such a long time ago that I do not remember the recovery time.
I just shudder at the experience though...brutal.

Thanks for posting. I don't think this experience is easily forgettable!

I had one done years ago...it felt like I had burned the roof of my mouth. Not sure if I really needed it, I found out later that the dentist was a crook - and that was one of his money-making schemes. Hope you feel better soon.

I kind of feel that way too. I've had soo many dental procedures this year. I kind of feel like I have a have a walking billboard that follows me into their offices reading;

"Teacher - with really good dental benefits!"

[ssbean]

I have had the procedure done twice on two different areas. The first one was about 15 years ago. They took a big chunk of tissue from the upper part of my mouth's palette. That area was sensitive for a long time and took months for the tissue to fill in again. The second procedure I had was about 4 years ago. Much less tissue from the upper palette was used and it healed very quickly. I was in a lot of pain for the first few days but healed quickly. When they first remove the patch covering the graft it was white. I was so worried it didn't take but it was just because there was no exposure to air. Turned a nice pink shortly after. For the first two weeks I was told no flossing and to use an extra soft toothbrush in that area. Both times the graft took nicely and has worked long term.

I hope you feel better.

[K8's Fate]

I have had the procedure done twice on two different areas. The first one was about 15 years ago. They took a big chunk of tissue from the upper part of my mouth's palette. That area was sensitive for a long time and took months for the tissue to fill in again. The second procedure I had was about 4 years ago. Much less tissue from the upper palette was used and it healed very quickly. I was in a lot of pain for the first few days but healed quickly. When they first remove the patch covering the graft it was white. I was so worried it didn't take but it was just because there was no exposure to air. Turned a nice pink shortly after. For the first two weeks I was told no flossing and to use an extra soft toothbrush in that area. Both times the graft took nicely and has worked long term.

I hope you feel better.

Thanks

I'm so glad that you had good results with this procedure. Your response really helps me to know what to expect.

[alicia]

My Dad had this done three times for three different areas of it mouth over the past five years. He found it no proven - went back to work that afternoon.

My aunt (Moms sister) ended up with two of these and took Valium to get through them and was out of commission for five days. Not saying it didn't hurt (for sure it did) but you'd have to know her, and she is just over the top.

[K8's Fate]

Okay, so it's been a week and I'm feeling a lot better.

One question though (for those of you who've had this procedure)...
The "putty" is still covering both incisions.
So, should I leave it covering them? Or try to remove the putty?
I'm not going to the periodontist for another 11 days. Just wondering what to do. Thx

[ssbean]

Okay, so it's been a week and I'm feeling a lot better.

One question though (for those of you who've had this procedure)...
The "putty" is still covering both incisions.
So, should I leave it covering them? Or try to remove the putty?
I'm not going to the periodontist for another 11 days. Just wondering what to do. Thx

Don't remove the putty! You want to leave it on and have the periodontist remove it. I think mine were on for just over 2 weeks. The grafts need time to take. The patch on the upper palette will likely come off on it's own. It did for me but that was fine.

Hang in there!