Gum Graft: What You Need to Know

Pros

• Early treatment prevents tooth loss.
• Gum grafts decrease sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks.
• This procedure can improve the look of your smile.
• It’s partially covered by most dental insurance plans.

Cons

• You may have mild swelling, pain, or bruising immediately after the procedure, but it should resolve within two weeks.
• You’ll have some level of discomfort, depending on the tissue removal method.
• There are restrictions on food and drink in the weeks following treatment.

• Average Cost:
• $2,975

• Range:
• $300 - $4,000

Your total cost will include a gum grafting procedure and any follow-up appointments. It will also depend on your provider’s level of experience and office location.

See our complete guide to gum grafting costs

Your procedure will differ slightly, depending on which gum graft your dentist or periodontist recommends.

A connective-tissue graft is the most common. Your periodontist cuts a flap of skin from the roof of your mouth, removes tissue from under the top layer of skin, and stitches it to the gum tissue, to cover the exposed root. 

A free-gingival graft is another option, for patients with thinner gums. This procedure also takes tissue from the roof of the mouth, but tissue is removed directly from the roof of the mouth (rather than from under a flap) and attached, to cover the exposed root.

A pedicle graft takes a flap of tissue from the gum around or near the area in need of repair rather than the roof of the mouth. One edge of the flap (called a pedicle) remains attached, while the flap is stretched over the exposed root and sewn into place. This type of graft is effective only for people who have an abundance of gum tissue near the root that’s in need of covering.

During your gum graft, you’ll have the option for topical anesthetic as well as local anesthetic in the treatment area. The numbing effects of the anesthetic will prevent you from feeling pain during the procedure, but you may experience some mild discomfort afterward, especially if you’ve had tissue removed from the roof of your mouth. The discomfort should be mild enough to treat with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Your mouth may be numb for a few hours following gum graft surgery. You’ll need to keep the area clean, and your doctor may prescribe a mouthwash to prevent infection, sometimes along with an oral antibiotic.

For a day or two after your procedure, eat soft foods and liquids, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the graft, and don’t eat anything hot, spicy, or acidic, including coffee or citrus juice. Don’t use straws for a few days, to avoid disrupting the sutures (which will dissolve on their own). 

Maintain these food restrictions until your sutures have dissolved, which can take up to a week.