Q: When can I remove gum graft surgical cement? It feels strongly stuck to my gum and it has been a week now. I can’t remove it by forcing it with my tongue. My teeth and gum feels good, like they are healing well, but I am not sure what to do about this cement. I won’t seem my doctor until a week from now. Should I wait until then and keep this cement in my mouth, or try to remove it somehow? Can it become a problem to remove it later?
A: In our practice, we don’t use periodontal packing anymore. With the use of the laser, there is no need. However, I would suggest you call your periodontist to see if the pack can be removed earlier so the healing can progress a little faster. If the periodontist has done extensive surgery in the area in question, then your teeth might be sensitive to cold or hot temperatures if the pack is removed. You might want to discuss using warm salt rinses and possibly a Chlorhexidine rinse. The sooner you remove the packing, the faster you will get back to good oral hygiene control.
