Gum Graft Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for gum graft: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Graft Success
- •Do not disturb the graft, it needs to establish blood supply
- •Avoid any sucking motion, straws, smoking
- •The tissue color will gradually match your natural gums over weeks
Gum Graft recovery, day by day
Graft Site, Mouth
- Do NOT pull your lip to look at the graft site
- Apply ice externally: 20 min on, 20 min off
- Bleeding and oozing are normal for several hours
Palate Donor Site
- If tissue was taken from your palate, expect soreness there too
- A protective stent/guard may have been placed on the palate
- The palate heals in 2-3 weeks
Diet
- Cool, soft foods only: yogurt, smoothies, ice cream, mashed potatoes
- Do NOT use straws
- Avoid spicy, acidic, crunchy, or hot foods
Oral Hygiene
- Do NOT brush or floss the graft area for 2 weeks
- Use prescribed antibacterial mouthwash, gently, no swishing
- Brush other teeth normally
Activity
- No exercise or strenuous activity for 5-7 days
- Sleep with head elevated
- No smoking or tobacco of any kind
Healing Progress
- Graft tissue may appear white or yellowish; this is normal healing
- Gradually introduce semi-soft foods
- Begin very gentle brushing near the graft site with an ultra-soft brush
- Follow-up appointment to check graft integration
When to call your provider or 911
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Fever above 101°F that doesn't respond to medication
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Uncontrolled bleeding lasting more than 4 hours despite gauze pressure
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Severe pain not relieved by prescribed medication
- •Call 911 now if you notice: Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Numbness that persists beyond 24 hours
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Foul taste/odor indicating possible infection
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Pus or discharge from the surgical site
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Graft tissue turns dark or black
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Graft tissue detaches or falls off
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 7
Post-Op Check
Follow-up visit and dressing change
- Day 14
Recovery Progress Check
Notice what is improving, unchanged, or worsening. Contact the care team if symptoms are getting worse or the next step is unclear.
- Day 21
Expected Full Healing
Graft tissue is integrated and gums are healthy
For clinics
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