Gum Graft Post-Operative Instructions 

Undergoing gum graft surgery is a big step toward improving your oral health. Our goal is to make your recovery as smooth and comfortable as possible. The following gum graft post-operative instructions will help guide you through the healing process and answer some of the most common questions patients have about gum graft aftercare. 

Do NOT eat anything until the anesthesia wears off, as you might bite your lips, cheek, or tongue and cause damage. You will probably have some discomfort when the anesthesia wears off; take your non-aspirin pain medication(s) as directed, whether it is prescribed or over-the-counter. 

Medications After Gum Graft Surgery 

Following post-gum graft surgery, your comfort and healing are top priorities.  

• Please take  Ibuprofen or Advil 600 mg (equal to 3 tabs of over-the-counter Ibuprofen or Advil) every 4-6 hours for the next 3-5 days. 

• Please take it as instructed, whether the area hurts or does not hurt!!! 

• Do NOT exceed 2400 mg (12 tabs) in a 24-hour period!! 

AND/OR (You may alternate Ibuprofen and Tylenol pain medications for better pain coverage) 

• Please take Extra Strength Tylenol 1000 mg (equal to 2 tabs of over-the-counter Extra Strength Tylenol) every 4-6 hours for the next 3-5 days. 

• Please take it as instructed, whether the area hurts or does not hurt!!! 

• Do NOT exceed 4000 mg (8 tabs) in a 24-hour period!!! 

• AVOID OVERDOSE! If and when you are taking Naproxen, please only take 1 tab of Extra Strength Tylenol. These prescription medications contain Tylenol. 

• You may have been given a prescription for a stronger pain reliever. This may be filled at any pharmacy if the over-the-counter pain medication does not relieve your discomfort. If Naproxen is too strong, you can cut the pill in half. Please do NOT drive or operate heavy machinery while you are taking Naproxen.  An antibiotic may have been prescribed to prevent or minimize infection. Please take the antibiotics as instructed until all tablets / pills are finished. 

What pain medication is best after gum graft surgery? 

 Most patients do well with over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). If discomfort is stronger in the first few days, Dr. Seibert and Dr. Aljewari may recommend alternating between the two or provide a prescription for short-term use. Always follow the specific instructions provided during your visit. 

When should I stop taking ibuprofen after a gum graft? 

 Ibuprofen can be helpful for the first few days to manage soreness and reduce inflammation. Most patients find they no longer need it after three to five days. If you continue to experience pain beyond this point, please get in touch with our office for guidance. 

Managing Discomfort After Gum Graft Surgery 

It’s normal to have some tenderness, mild swelling, or sensitivity as part of gum graft aftercare. Chapped lips or bruising of the lips/cheek area may also occur.  

 The following tips will help minimize any pain or swelling: 

• A reusable ice bag or a frozen vegetable bag, wrapped in a soft towel, may be applied to the area of surgery to help minimize the swelling of your face. Alternating 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off will usually be adequate during the first 24-48 hours after surgery. 

• Keeping your head elevated above your heart will also help. Most swelling can occur in the morning and up to 3 days after surgery. Avoid sleeping / laying on the side that surgery was performed. 

• Two days after surgery, moist heat will help resolve minor swelling. Major swelling should be reported to the doctor at once. 

 You may experience some tooth sensitivity after surgery, especially to cold. Sensitivity usually decreases within several weeks after surgery and can be minimized by keeping the area as free of plaque as possible. If the sensitivity is extreme, contact the doctor for recommendations or medications to relieve the discomfort. 

 IF you are instructed to wear a clear appliance or an upper denture that covers the roof of the mouth, do NOT REMOVE it for 24 hours NO MATTER WHAT!!! It may pool with blood, but leave it in there and just swoosh with Chlorhexidine rinse or lukewarm salt water. 

• After 24 hours you are to wear it as much as you please, especially while you eat for your comfort. 

 Dressing: 

We may apply a periodontal surgical dressing to protect the surgical site and keep you comfortable. The dressing will harden in a few hours. In most cases the dressing is left in the mouth for a period of 7-14 days and may be changed once or more by the doctor during this time. Try to keep the dressing in place until your next appointment. If the dressing becomes loose or comes off, do not try to push it back. Call our office to notify the doctor and receive further instructions. Maintain normal oral hygiene measures in the areas of your mouth not affected by the surgery. In areas where there is dressing, lightly brush only the biting surfaces of the teeth. 

• Please chew on the opposite side of your mouth and try to avoid the dressing as much as possible. 

• Be sure to keep your post-operative appointment to allow for removal of any dressings or sutures and to assess your healing!!! 

 When should I be concerned about pain after a gum graft? 

 Some discomfort is expected, but sharp or increasing pain after the first few days may be a sign of irritation or infection. If pain worsens or is accompanied by fever or unusual swelling, please call our office immediately so we can assess your healing progress. 

Is swelling normal after gum graft surgery? 

 Yes, mild swelling is common during the first 48 to 72 hours. It should gradually subside each day. Applying ice packs intermittently during the first day and switching to gentle warm compresses after the second day can be soothing. 

Bleeding and Healing After a Gum Graft 

Minor bleeding or pink-tinged saliva is normal for the first day or two after gum graft surgery. void extremely hot foods for the rest of the day and do NOT rinse out your mouth, as these will often prolong the bleeding. If bleeding continues, apply light pressure to the area with a moistened gauze or moistened tea bag. Keep in place for 20-30 minutes without looking to see if bleeding has stopped. (NO PEEKING!) Do not spit or rinse forcefully.  

If further bleeding occurs or increases, please call our office as soon as possible to notify the doctor and receive further instructions. Avoid any strenuous physical activity for the next 2-3 days to prevent or minimize severe bleeding. Healing happens gradually as the graft integrates with your natural tissue. It’s important not to disturb the area so that your new graft can attach properly. 

How long does it take for gum grafts to heal? 

Initial healing usually takes about two weeks, but full tissue integration can take four to eight weeks, depending on the type of graft and your body’s healing response. Dr. Seibert or Dr. Aljewari will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress. 

How much bleeding is normal after gum graft surgery? 

 A small amount of oozing or spotting is normal during the first 24 hours. You can gently apply light pressure with a clean, damp gauze pad if needed. If bleeding becomes heavy or doesn’t slow after applying gentle pressure, contact our office promptly. 

Eating and Diet After Gum Graft Surgery 

Your diet plays a significant role in gum graft aftercare. Please follow a soft food diet, taking care to avoid the surgical area(s) when chewing. Chew on the opposite side and do NOT bite into food if the procedure was done in the front of the mouth. Avoid sticky, hard (such as ice cubes, nuts, popcorn, chips), brittle, spicy, highly seasoned, or acidic foods in your diet. Foods such as soups, pasta, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese etc. are best. Be sure to maintain adequate nutrition and drink plenty of fluids. 

Avoid alcohol (even beer and wine) and smoking until after your post-operative appointment. Smoking is not advised during the 7-14 days following surgery. 

Can I drink coffee after a gum graft? 

 It’s best to avoid hot drinks, such as coffee or tea, for the first few days, as heat can irritate the graft and slow down healing. Once sensitivity lessens, you can enjoy warm (not hot) beverages. 

What foods should I avoid after gum graft surgery? 

 Avoid crunchy, spicy, acidic, or chewy foods that can irritate or dislodge the graft, including chips, crusty bread, popcorn, and citrus fruits. Straws should also be avoided to prevent suction that could disturb the healing area. 

What foods can I eat after gum graft surgery? 

 Soft, cool, and mild foods are ideal; consider options like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, pasta, and soups served at a lukewarm temperature. Staying hydrated with water is also helpful. 

Home Care and Oral Hygiene After Gum Graft 

Proper gum graft aftercare at home is essential for long-term success. Maintain normal oral hygiene measures in the areas of your mouth not affected by the surgery. In areas where there is dressing, lightly brush only the biting surfaces of the teeth. After you have eaten or you have snacked, please use lukewarm saltwater rinse 4-6X a day; 30 seconds of swooshing with each use. Vigorous rinsing should be avoided! 

Starting tomorrow: 

• Please use Periogard, Peridex, or Chlorhexidine mouth rinse 2X (morning and night) a day; 30 seconds of swooshing with each use. 

• The doctor may recommend using a soft Q-tip or cotton swab with toothpaste to gently clean tooth surfaces in operated area 

• Unless otherwise instructed, avoid flossing and regular tooth brushing of affected area 

 Avoid: 

• Please do NOT play with the surgery area with your fingers or tongue. 

• Do NOT pull down the lip or cheek to look at the area and do not have someone else look at the area. Just LEAVE IT ALONE! 

• Do NOT use a drinking straw, as the suction may dislodge the blood clot. 

• Avoid extremely hot foods. Cold foods such as ice cream or shake are OK as long as you use a spoon. 

• Avoid alcohol (even beer and wine) and smoking until after your post-operative appointment 

• Avoid sleeping / laying down on the side of the affected area 

 Be gentle around the surgical area and follow Dr. Aljewari’s and Dr. Seibert’s specific recommendations for cleaning and rinsing. You may be advised to use a prescribed antimicrobial rinse instead of brushing near the graft site for a short time. 

When can I return to normal oral hygiene after gum graft surgery? 

 Most patients can return to regular brushing and flossing in treated areas after about two weeks once the tissue has begun to heal. Continue normal care in the untreated parts of your mouth, being careful not to disturb the grafted site. Dr. Seibert and  Dr. Aljewari will let you know when it’s safe to resume full brushing and flossing. 

 Dr. Haider Aljewari, Dr. Steven Seibert and his team are committed to your comfort and recovery. If you have any concerns during your gum graft post op period, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at Champaign Location Phone Number 217-398-4867. We’re here to support you as your smile heals and strengthens.