Gum Grafting Instructions

Before Surgery

Make sure you have read over our Patient Instructions for Surgery.  This information will provide specific instructions for patients having a gum graft.

After Surgery

For 7 days after your surgery, DO NOT spit, smoke, rinse hard, drink through a straw, create a “sucking” action in your mouth, use a commercial mouthwash, drink carbonated soda, or use an oral irrigating device. You may be asked not to bite into foods such as sandwiches, apples, etc.  Avoid hard and crunchy foods.  Doing any of these can disrupt clotting, the healing process, open the incision and cause the graft to fail.The graft will go through the "ugly duckling" phases: it may look white, yellow, red or pink.  Do not worry about the area. 

For the next 14 days or until your sutures are removed:

  • Do not smoke or use smokeless tobacco.
  • Do not take in liquids through a straw.
  • Do not lift or pull on lip to look at sutures “stitches”.
  • Do not lie on side of face over area of surgery.
  • Do not eat solid food in the area of the graft until instructed. 
  • Do not press over area of surgery for 1 month.
  • Do not brush the grafted area until told otherwise by Drs. Wunderlich and Chang

Notify the office if:

  • Your medications do not relieve your discomfort
  • If you develop a fever above 99.5F
  • If you have any unusual swelling, uncontrolled bleeding or discharge
  • If a stitch becomes loose it is not urgent; contact our office on the next business day for instructions.

Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.

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