Gum Grafting

A gum graft is a dental surgical procedure to address the complaint of gum recession. Gum recession is a condition in which gums retract from the teeth and expose underlying roots. Exposed tooth roots can increase the risks of tooth decay, sensitivity, and potential bone loss around teeth. Gum grafting replaces lost gums, restores gum health, and improves overall oral well-being.

Types of Gum Grafting

There are three types of gum grafts usually performed by dentists. Dentists select the most suitable type of gum graft as per your oral needs.

Free Gingival Graft

Free gingival grafts involve taking tissue from the roof of the mouth or the palate. This method involves the excision of small tissue from the palate instead of creating a flap and taking tissues beneath them. This graft is placed on the exposed roots or gum-receding area. This approach is commonly used for individuals with genetically thin gums who need additional tissues to enhance gum thickness and gingival coverage.

Connective Tissue Graft

Connective tissue gum graft is the most common technique used to treat exposed root surfaces. An incision is made at the roof of your mouth and a small tissue is excised beneath the flap. This excised tissue is stitched to the exposed roots and the flap at the roof of the mouth is stitched.

Pedicle Graft

In this technique, no incision or tissue is excised from anywhere in the mouth. Instead, tissues from the near are cut with one attached edge. This tissue is stretched over an exposed area and stitched there to keep it in place. This is the most preferable gum graft technique because blood flow remains the same. However, one restriction to performing this procedure is that there should be excessive gum tissues around the area of gum recession.

Reasons for Gum Grafting

Receding Gums

Gum recession is a condition in which gum pulls back from its original position. Root exposure due to gum recession increases sensitivity, risk of root caries, and damage to the periodontal bone.

Gum Diseases

Gum inflammation or infection can occur due to gum diseases, in which gums become fragile and bleed easily. Advanced gum diseases can lead to the pulling of gums from tooth surfaces.

Cosmetic Reasons

Some people have naturally large teeth because of genetic factors, while in some people tooth crowns become larger due to ageing. This can compromise their smile aesthetics.

Gum Grafting Procedure

The following are the steps involved in gum grafting:

Consultation

The gum grafting procedure starts with the consultation. Dentists or periodontists evaluate gum health. The dentist or periodontist discusses the patient’s expectations with gum grafting surgery. Also, the dentist tells you the possible risks of the procedure.

Preparation of surgery

The dentist makes a surgical plan according to the degree of gum recession and type of gum graft. The dentist advises dental cleaning before the procedure if needed.

Surgical procedure

First, the dentist numbs the site of surgery with local anesthesia and makes a small incision to clean root surfaces. Then, the dentist takes a small piece of inner tissues from the roof of the palate and places it on the exposed root. The dentist stitches both sites with naturally dissolving dental sutures.

Finishing

The dentist cleans the area and makes sure that there is no bleeding because bleeding can result in gum graft failure or other complications. The dentist gives aftercare instructions and recalls the patient after one week for a follow-up visit.

Benefits of Gum Grafting

Gum recession can lead to root caries or tooth loss (in severe cases). The gum grafting procedure reduces the risk of root damage and prevents further gum recession. Several benefits of the gum grafting procedure include:

• Reduced Sensitivity
• Enhanced Aesthetics
• Improved Gum Health
• Reduced risk of tooth loss
• Reduced chances of root caries

Risks and Complications

The complications of gum graft surgery are not common. In very rare cases gum graft fails to adapt to surgical site.

• Bleeding and swollen gums
• Mobility of teeth (temporary)
• Sensitivity
• Spaces between teeth
• Oral infection
• Graft failure
• Allergic reactions

Recovery

The recovery for gum grafting is quick and it takes about 12 to 15 days. A patient can take the following tips to make recovery smooth.

• Take prescribed medicines on time
• Avoid smoking during the healing period
• Eat a healthy and soft diet
• Avoid aggressive brushing and flossing at the surgical site
• Use antiseptic mouthwash to remove bacteria
• Avoid hard and crunchy foods

Cost and Insurance Coverage

The cost of gum graft surgery depends on various factors like the type of surgery, condition of the mouth, anxiety level in patients, and experience of the dentist. It is better to book an appointment for the consultation so that you can discuss every aspect of the surgery and know the exact gum grafting cost.

Insurance Considerations

The costs of dental treatments are almost always reimbursed by supplementary dental insurance. Gum grafting falls under periodontal treatments so ask your insurance company if they cover this procedure or not.