Diane, I've had this procedure performed a few times now and while the first week is uncomfortable, I have had some success. Here were a few impressions:
The roof of my mouth (where they removed the tissue to graft onto the gums) was tender for four or five days. While the discomfort went away, it took a while for the roof of my mouth to feel 'normal' as I felt I had a 'ridge' for several months.
Care of the area was difficult. In order to have the tissue mesh properly with the gums, the area can't be brushed, flossed, rinsed or cleaned for several weeks. This doesn't exactly feel hygenic and I felt I had a strange taste in my mouth because of it.
Also, the tissue doesn't always 'take' and may separate slightly from the gum over time as was my case. The dentist was able to use the initial tissue to pull it over the tooth, but we just always want things to work the first time.
Finally, my dentist mentioned that bonding is an option to having my gums grafted -- which I've tried as well. I've had a few areas bonded and found it greatly decreased sensitivity and has made it easier for me to eat hot and cold foods without a lot of discomfort. This wasn't the case with the gum grafting. The downside to the bonding is that they need to be replaced about every seven years or so my dentist says.
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Diane, I've had this procedure performed a few times now and while the first week is uncomfortable, I have had some success. Here were a few impressions:
The roof of my mouth (where they removed the tissue to graft onto the gums) was tender for four or five days. While the discomfort went away, it took a while for the roof of my mouth to feel 'normal' as I felt I had a 'ridge' for several months.
Care of the area was difficult. In order to have the tissue mesh properly with the gums, the area can't be brushed, flossed, rinsed or cleaned for several weeks. This doesn't exactly feel hygenic and I felt I had a strange taste in my mouth because of it.
Also, the tissue doesn't always 'take' and may separate slightly from the gum over time as was my case. The dentist was able to use the initial tissue to pull it over the tooth, but we just always want things to work the first time.
Finally, my dentist mentioned that bonding is an option to having my gums grafted -- which I've tried as well. I've had a few areas bonded and found it greatly decreased sensitivity and has made it easier for me to eat hot and cold foods without a lot of discomfort. This wasn't the case with the gum grafting. The downside to the bonding is that they need to be replaced about every seven years or so my dentist says.
August 21, 2009 - 10:24amThis Comment
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