Gum Grafting

Your dentist will meet with you to assess your specific issues with your gums, whether they are related to gum recession, periodontal disease or cosmetic appearance.

The dentist will check the health of your gums and the extent of gum recession. X-rays will be taken and the issue will be diagnosed. You'll have time to ask questions about your treatment options, the procedure and recovery, and have your concerns addressed.

After arriving at our dental office, you'll come to the procedure room and given local anesthesia to numb the area. You may choose to have general anesthesia or other form of dental sedation so you can relax or be unconscious during the procedure. 

The dentist will remove a small piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth and stitch it to the area requiring gum tissue. The procedure typically takes between 45 minutes and one hour. Once your periodontist has finished suturing the graft, they'll likely have you rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash. 

You'll be able to leave shortly after your procedure is done. Your dentist may ask you to wait one or two hours if they want to observe you to check that there won't be any issues with the graft. 

For a couple of weeks following the procedure, you'll need to get lots of rest and make sure to not eat any hard or hot foods to prevent the graft from being damaged. 

You'll also likely need to use an antimicrobial mouthwash for a couple of weeks to prevent plaque buildup and infection, or other complications. Do not brush or floss the area until your dentist says the area has healed and it's safe to do so. Avoid exercise or strenuous activities. 

For any pain or discomfort, you may consider taking over-the-counter pain medication. If you experience severe pain or discomfort, contact us right away. 

After your dentist performs a gum graft, the transplanted tissue is meant to remain in place for a lifetime.

Taking care of your oral health by brushing your teeth and flossing daily will be key to ensuring your gums remain healthy.

Causes of gum recession can include periodontal disease, overly aggressive tooth brushing, genetics, hormonal treatment, orthodontic treatment, trauma or injury. Treating gum recession is important to protect the health of your teeth.

Gum recession can cause deterioration of gum tissue, and impact the appearance of your smile. Because your tooth roots are exposed, they will be more vulnerable to decay, which can lead to tooth loss. Your dentist may recommend a gum graft to correct and prevent these issues.

Because gum grafting is a surgical procedure, it's important to be in good overall health if you are considering undergoing this treatment.

If you have certain disorders or diseases, such as compromised immune systems or diabetes, etc., it's important to let your dentist know during the consultation process, as these may increase your risk of complications. Your dentist will need to be informed of any medications you are currently taking.

A gum graft can repair gum health and prevent further gum recession from occurring and can eliminate issues such as tooth sensitivity.

However, there is no guarantee that gum problems won't develop again in the future. We recommend coming in for regular dental checkups and preventive cleanings, as well as maintaining an excellent at-home oral hygiene routine, to prevent oral health complications and potential damage to your teeth and gums that may require more surgical treatments.