"Don't worry. You'll have gum grafting," my dentist said nonchalantly, as if my gum recession were no big deal.
Clearly, he had no idea whom he was talking to. I lose a week of sleep before my biannual intravenous multiple-sclerosis medication. I nearly pass out at blood draws, and I let fear over routine medical procedures fester until it explodes.
As someone with multiple chronic health conditions, I once bragged about my unremarkable dental history — at 39, I've never had a cavity. My dentist used to describe me as having a boring mouth. But over the years, my gums began to recede as a result of the thin gum tissue I was born with. My mouth wasn't quite so boring anymore.
Gum-graft surgery is common
Naturally, I wanted to learn about the procedure before committing. Gum grafting is the most common periodontal procedure performed in the US, according to the Cleveland Clinic. I read how they would remove tissue from my palate and attach it to the area with recession. There weren't many personal stories out there on social platforms — but negative remarks in comment sections were plentiful.
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As someone who is immunosuppressed, I was concerned as I read through personal anecdotes. But after I spoke with my trusted physician who prescribes my immunosuppressant, she was confident my recovery wouldn't be affected by my suppressed immune system — and she was right. Six months ago, I cautiously proceeded with the first of two recommended gum-graft procedures, and surprisingly, it wasn't a big deal.
The procedure was straightforward
First, my gums were numbed with a gel. The anesthetic needle presented no pain aside from a slight pinch. I felt no pain during the procedure — only pressure. Music from my headphones drowned out the noise from various tools. The process wasn't akin to lying on the beach — but it wasn't the terror I'd imagined it would be, either.
At the end of the procedure, a waxy coating was placed over both surgical sites, the area on the palate where the tissue was removed and the site where it was reattached. This loosen and fall off on their own in about a week.
When the numbness subsided later that day, I had mild discomfort. By the following day, I had only minimal swelling. For three days, I took an anti-inflammatory prescribed by my periodontist, and for three weeks — until my follow-up appointment — I used a prescription mouthwash because I couldn't brush near the surgical site until then. The rinse left a brown stain on my teeth, but it was removed at my final appointment, and any remnants came off easily at my next dental cleaning.
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For the four to five days following my procedure, I was advised to avoid exercise, as an increased heart rate can lead to more discomfort, bleeding, and swelling. For three weeks, I was required to chew on the opposite side from the grafting and eat a soft diet — I had my fair share of smoothies, scrambled eggs, and ice cream.
The Cleveland Clinic says gum-graft surgery has a success rate of over 90%. Left untreated, gum recession can lead to cavities, severe gum disease, tooth mobility, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.
I changed my toothbrushing habits to avoid gum recession again
For me, it's a no-brainer. The surgical site from my first procedure has fully healed and blends in perfectly with the nearby gum line. I recently had my second gum graft, and my experience has been the same thus far. Investing in gum grafting now means I'll avoid the hassle and repercussions of an exposed root later.
To prevent further recession, I've changed my brushing habits as directed by my periodontist. Brushing at a 45-degree angle in short, circular strokes with an extra-soft toothbrush is gentler on the gums than brushing back and forth.
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But as someone prone to recession, I may need more grafting down the line. I'm OK with that now. Because a minor inconvenience for a few weeks is worth having my teeth for a lifetime. I'm thankful such an effective, manageable treatment option exists.
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