Q: What are the pros and cons of a gum graft?

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.

Question 1

What is gum graft surgery?

Accepted Answer

Gum graft surgery (also called a gingival graft or periodontal surgery) covers exposed tooth roots caused by receding gums. Gum surgery protects teeth from the damaging effects of gum recession. It can also improve the appearance of your smile. Typically, a gum graft takes tissue from the roof of the mouth and attaches it to the gumline, but there are other options.

Gum recession is a common dental problem, affecting 4–12% of adults. It occurs when the tissue surrounding the teeth pulls away, leaving the root exposed. It’s a gradual process, and many people may not notice it right away. An exposed tooth root can cause tooth sensitivity, especially when you’re eating cold or hot foods. If left untreated, gum recession can damage the supporting bone and lead to tooth loss, so it’s best to confront gum recession early. Dr. Elly Tehrani, a Toronto periodontist, says: “As the situation worsens, the cost and complexity of treatments to treat or replace teeth increases.”

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of a gum graft?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How much does a gum graft cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

What happens during a gum graft procedure?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Does a gum graft hurt?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What is gum graft recovery like?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What are the alternatives to gum graft surgery?

Accepted Answer

Pinhole gum surgery is a newer alternative to traditional gum graft surgery. This minimally invasive technique involves making pinhole-size incisions in the gums and releasing soft tissue, to extend the gum coverage over areas of exposed root.

LANAP laser periodontal therapy is another less invasive, less painful procedure that corrects gum recession with an FDA-cleared laser.

GUM GRAFT

Chris Ellis

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