I'm having fluid retention after gum graft surgery. why is this happening?

Inflammation Normal: After surgery of any kind, including gum surgery, there will be some swelling. Don't be alarmed unless the swelling is significant. There also may be slight bruising. Ice packs are a terrific option, do that with crushed ice in a zip-lock bag, cover it with damp washcloth. Hold on area for 20-min, then remove for 20-min, repeat. After 3-days post-op, use moist heat in the same fashion.

Call your dentist: Check with the person who performed the grafts and see if you are having a reaction to materials or medications.

Inflammation: Controlled inflammation is a normal and necessary process of healing. Wound healing required vasodilation of blood vessel and neovascular genesis to activate chemotaxis of the inflammatory cells. Inflammation is considered as a primary mechanism of innate immunity, referred to as the nonspecific immune system or the first line of defense. It is considered noral within the first two weeks.