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
Medications you may be given
Ibuprofen 600mg
Take 1 tablet 3 times daily with food
Amoxicillin 500mg
Take 1 capsule 3 times daily until finished
Chlorhexidine Rinse 0.12%
Rinse with 15mL for 30 seconds twice daily. Do not swallow.
Always follow the exact directions your own provider gives you. This is general information, not a prescription.
When to call your provider or 911
- •Fever above 101°F that doesn't respond to medication
- •Uncontrolled bleeding lasting more than 4 hours despite gauze pressure
- •Severe pain not relieved by prescribed medication
- •Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- •Numbness that persists beyond 24 hours
- •Foul taste/odor indicating possible infection
- •Pus or discharge from the surgical site
- •Graft tissue turns dark or black
- •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
Resume brushing graft area
Gently brush near the area with ultra-soft brush
- Day 21
Expected full healing
Graft tissue is integrated and gums are healthy
For clinics
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