I had a gum graft procedure almost three days ago. The periodontist who did my surgery is excellent, very experienced, and has actually written books and done research on the procedure, so I think I was fortunate.
Dr. S. gave me nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas) prior to using the needles for numbing and continued with it throughout, which definitely decreased the apprehension I was feeling. Nitrous oxide also provides additional anesethetic effect. So, while I was aware of the needles and procedure to some extent, at times, I did not feel pain and was not anxious. (I would never consent to have serious dental work done without sedation of some sort, that is for sure!)
Following the surgery, I was able to drive myself home - about 30 mile distance. By the time I got home the numbness was ending and I took a narcotic Rx that took care of any pain. I took two more that day and none since. Twice today, the third day, I took an extra-strength tylenol. I have no pain, am just a little sore and have had little swelling - and that was after I'd lain flat in the bed to sleep; after I was up for a while and used an icepack for a bit, the swelling went away. (Perhaps I should have slept with my head elevated on two pillows, not sure.)
One thing I neglected to do on the first day was to use an icepack. I think that would have helped. Still, the swelling has not been enough to concern me.
The plastic guard the doc put in the roof of my mouth really seems to be the reason the donor site has not hurt at all. Now, it is just annoying and slightly irritating, but I can remove it tomorrow, thankfully. Until then, the doctor had advised that it could be removed for mouth cleansing only for a total of 5 minutes per day for the first three days. I have followed that guideline totally.
The graft site - front, lower gumline - has the protective rubbery stuff on it, which is a little irritating to the inside of my lower lip, still relatively little problem.
Doctor S. told me to rinse my mouth very carefully a couple of times a day, with listerine or other wash. I thought full-strength listerine might hurt so I've rinsed my mouth, gently, a few times a day, using one part listerine to one part warm water. I have been able to eat pretty well - yesterday I had potato soup, some ice cream, a bit of candy. Today I've eaten a sandwich and soup/cornbread, ice cream and other snacks including cheetos and m/m's. I think I could have eaten pretty much anything.
Overall, I can say that the procedure was not as frightening as I'd feared, thanks to the doctor's skill and the nitrous oxide, and the pain afterwards was minor. I had no bleeding, no fever, and little swelling. The discomfort from the protective stuff is aggravating but not awful. I am glad I had this done - of course I'm assuming the graft 'takes' and I will not likely have any complications since things have gone so well thus far.
