Does gum surgery hurt? Question
Gum surgery is done under local anesthetic, so the procedure itself should not hurt; many offices add oral or IV sedation. Afterward, most patients have mild to moderate soreness for two to four days, managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Laser procedures usually hurt less than scalpel surgery.
Which procedures hurt least?
| Procedure | Typical recovery |
|---|---|
| LANAP | Mild soreness, back to work next day |
| Pinhole | Mild soreness, no stitches |
| Deep cleaning | Tender gums, sensitive teeth for days |
| Gum graft | Palate soreness up to a week |
| Flap surgery | Soreness and swelling several days |
Questions
Will I need prescription pain medicine?
Most patients manage with over-the-counter medicine. Periodontists prescribe more when a procedure calls for it.
Sources
Treatment and surgery Read next
Am I a candidate for LANAP?Good candidates for LANAP have moderate to severe periodontitis with pockets of 5 mm or more that remain after deep cleaning, and want to keep their teeth without cutting and stitches.Is laser gum surgery better?Laser gum surgery is usually more comfortable with faster recovery than scalpel flap surgery: no cutting or stitches with LANAP, less bleeding and swelling.
What is the difference between scaling and root planing and a regular cleaning?A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar near the gumline.How painful is a deep cleaning?A deep cleaning is done with local anesthesia that numbs the gums.
Can receding gums grow back?No. Receding gums cannot grow back, and recession cannot be reversed.What are the downsides of a gum graft?The main risks of a gum graft are infection, heavy bleeding and graft failure.