This type of graft is used to try to cover an exposed root surface. A moon shaped incision is made in the gingiva. The two corners are left attached. The attached corners allow blood to flow through the graft. The center section of the graft is moved toward the crown of the tooth to cover the root surface. Pressure is applied for four minutes. There must be an adequate zone of attached gingiva prior to performing this procedure, if not a connective tissue graft is done initially. This is a fairly predictable procedure and typically you can achieve root coverage up to the height of the adjacent gum papillae. This series of pictures shows images from start to two weeks post operatively.
How is does the healing process takes after the procedure is done. What is instructions
of medical care will the patient be ask do till next appt ? Are any special food diets part of the medical care of the patient ?
The healing from a Semilunar graft is 2-3 days. There is no special diet required but I instruct my patients not to brush the affected gum for the first 3-4 days, but the tooth is OK. During this time period I prescribe Peridex mouthwash, which will keep the surgical site clean.
You mentioned that there is no special food diets. So till the next appt, what type of food is safe to eat and eating the wrong foods would this not irritate the gums?
Thank you….
Jackie H.
There are no dietary restrictions for this procedure. We instruct our patients to avoid brushing the gum in that area for the first week. We prescribe a chlorhexidine mouthwash to keep the area clean.