Posted on September 13, 2024
Gum grafting is an extremely beneficial treatment for those suffering from gum recession and gum disease in general. Because periodontal surgery happens in the oral cavity or the mouth, the healing process is visible most of the time. The continual visibility of grafted gums can trigger questions and concerns in patients who are unsure what to expect. One common post-surgery experience that patients experience is their gums turning white. While it might seem out of the ordinary, this change in colour is usually a normal part of the healing process. Understanding why this happens and what it means can help you feel more at ease as you recover from the procedure.
To learn more about what to expect during gum grafting, book a periodontal surgery consultation with Dr. Adam Ohayon, an experienced periodontist in Oshawa and the Greater Toronto Area. Our team provides a number of treatments including gum grafting, guided tissue regeneration, periodontal flap surgery, dental implants and more.
What are Gum Grafting Treatments?
Gum grafting is a procedure performed by board-certified periodontists in Oshawa, Whitby and across Ontario. The periodontal treatment is a solution for gum recession, which in most cases is the result of advanced gum disease. As gum disease (also known as periodontitis) progresses through the buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria, the gums move away from the initial tooth line, leaving the tooth roots and bones exposed while also creating pockets that make your smile more vulnerable to infection, sensitivity, and tooth loss. If you have noticed the signs of gum recession, gum grafting at The Perio Centre is performed by Dr. Adam Ohayon, a trusted periodontist in Oshawa and the GTA can strengthen your gums, preserve the lifespan of your natural teeth, and make everyday life more enjoyable.
If you have been struggling with gum recession or have been referred to a periodontist in Oshawa by your dental team, read on to learn more about why the gums turn white after surgery.
This procedure is widely used to treat gum recession and restore healthy tissue around the teeth. For many patients, it's a highly effective solution that helps protect the teeth from further damage, sensitivity, and potential tooth loss. However, one common question patients often ask their periodontist after the procedure is, "Why do my gums turn white after gum grafting?"
Why Do Gums Turn White After Gum Grafting?
One of the most common concerns people have after gum grafting is noticing that their gums turn white. Seeing your gums go from their usual pink to an unusual white hue can be alarming, but it's actually a normal part of the healing process. The white colour in your gums is usually a sign that your body is recovering as it should, and it should not be a cause for concern. In fact, the gums turning white after gum grafting is an indication that several essential biological processes are underway, contributing to a successful periodontal surgery.
Reduced Blood Flow to the Gums
One of the primary reasons the gums turn white after a grafting procedure is ischemia. Ischemia happens when blood flow to the grafted area is reduced. In this case, ischemia is expected and leads to what is called "Tissue Sloughing." Tissue sloughing affects only a thin, outer layer of cells, and is part of the body’s natural healing response. The deeper layers of the graft remain intact and will continue to heal and integrate with your natural tissue.
When the tissue is first transplanted, it typically does not have an established blood supply. In the first few days after the procedure, the gums will turn white or grey. The tissue may appear pale or white for the first few weeks until the blood vessels fully connect and are able to supply the newly grafted tissue with oxygen and nutrients. Once the new blood supply starts to the gums, the tissue should begin to regain a healthy pink colour as it heals.
Protective Layer Over Gums
After the surgery, a layer of dead cells can form on the surface of the grafted tissue. Like with any soft tissue wound, the body produces a protein called fibrin, which is essential for healing wounds. Following gum grafting, your body will produce fibrin in the graft site that will appear in a white or yellow hue.
This natural barrier is a healing response that allows the deeper layers of the grafted gum tissue to regenerate effectively. The cells that form this barrier will often look very pale or white, but eventually, its saturation will return.
If you're concerned about the progress of your gum grafting recovery, contact your periodontist in Oshawa. When you complete a periodontal surgery at The Perio Centre, our team will book a follow-up with you and Dr. Adam Ohayon to monitor the healing process. This will ensure your gum grafting stays on track so you can enhance the health of your smile.
When Does The Colour of Gums Return?
The exact timeline for when your gums will turn pink again after gum grafting varies from person to person. In most cases, the gums will start to regain their natural colour within a week as blood flow is re-established and the protective layer of dead cells is shed. However, the complete healing process can take a few weeks. It's essential to follow the care instructions provided by your periodontist to ensure proper healing. In rare cases, if the tissue remains white for an
What To Expect During Recovery
Proper recovery care will help ensure that the graft is taken successfully and that the gums heal as expected.
Here's what you can expect during the recovery period:
- Discomfort and Swelling: Some swelling and discomfort are normal after gum grafting. After periodontal surgeries, periodontists will typically prescribe medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any pain during the first few days of recovery.
- Dietary Restrictions: Because gum grafting, guided tissue regeneration, and periodontal surgeries can make eating, chewing, and swallowing challenging during the healing process, it's best to recommend irritating foods. Periodontists recommend soft surgery during the first week or so after surgery. Our team provides our patients with tailored recommendations for recovery to ensure you get the best results for your health.
- Diligent Oral Hygiene: Keeping the grafted area clean is crucial to preventing infection. Periodontists will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your gums, including recommendations for gentle rinsing or the use of an antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Follow-Up Visits: Scheduled follow-up appointments at The Perio Centre are essential to monitor the healing process. Dr. Adam Ohayon and our team of experts will check to make sure the graft is integrating well and that the gums are healing properly.
When Should You Be Concerned?
While gums turning white after gum grafting is typically a normal part of healing, there are a few signs that may indicate something is wrong. If you experience any symptoms, such as excessive pain, persistent bleeding, pus, swelling, or other signs of infection, contact your periodontist as soon as possible. Our periodontist will assess the situation and address any causes for concern.
By working with our experienced periodontist in Oshawa, you can address any concerns early and ensure a smooth recovery process.
Explore the Gum Grafting Process with The Perio Centre
Gum grafting is an innovative periodontal solution that can extend the lifespan of your smile by mitigating infections, improving comfort, and minimizing the chances of tooth loss. The investment in gum grafting with a trusted periodontist leaves your gums stronger and healthier in most cases than natural gums. To learn more about what to expect from your gum grafting surgery or to explore other periodontal treatments such as periodontal flap surgery and dental implants, contact The Perio Centre team.