Gum Grafting
A gum graft is a type of dental surgery that can be performed to correct the effects of gum recession or to prevent additional gum recession from developing. Gum recession can be caused by several factors, such as periodontal disease or aggressive brushing. This procedure can have an immediate impact on a patient’s oral health, and can also improve the look of their smile.
Oftentimes, patients will need to have several office visits prior to gum grafting surgery to ensure their teeth are completely clean and free of tartar and bacteria buildup. During the surgery, your dentist will begin by making small incisions at the site of the recession. This creates an opening or pocket for the graft. A flap will be cut and the graft will be placed between the two sections of tissue. Your dentist will suture the graft to give it stability and ensure it does not move. Many patients will be put under a local anesthetic during the actual gum grafting procedure. Healing can take up to six weeks following surgery.
At John T. Green DDS Inc., we offer a wide range of services, from cosmetic to restorative dentistry. From Dayton to across the country and internationally, we welcome all patients to experience outstanding customer service and tailored treatment plans. If you are scheduled for gum grafting, or if you would like to ask our staff any questions about this procedure or schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
CALL (937) 293-3402
800 Shroyer Rd. Dayton, OH 45419
Benefits of Gum Grafting
Gum grafting, like any surgery, can sound daunting, but the benefits of having a gum graft far outweigh any discomfort you may feel during the actual procedure. Having a gum graft will likely make it more enjoyable to eat certain foods, as gum sensitivity diminishes. Gum grafts also prevent further damage caused by periodontal disease and improves patients’ overall oral health. Many patients also experience increased confidence and happiness with their appearance, as gum recession causes some teeth to appear longer than average.
Four Types of Gum Grafts
Depending upon your particular case and needs, your dentist will suggest one of the following type of gum grafts:
- Free Gingival Graft uses tissue from the roof of the mouth that is attached to the affected area. This procedure is primarily used for patients with thin gums that require more tissue to enlarge the gum area.
- Connective-tissue Graft are used to treat patients with exposed roots. This procedure involves your dentist cutting open a flap at the roof of the mouth, removing connective tissue from underneath, and stitching the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root.
- Pedicle Grafts are performed when patients have an adequate amount of gum tissue around the affected tooth which will be used, instead of tissue from the roof of the mouth. The gum tissue will be partially cut away, and then the gum is stretched over the area of the exposed root, after which the gum tissue is sewn into place.
- Allograft is donated human tissue that has been thoroughly processed. Patients will opt for this approach because it is less painful and does require removal of their own tissue.
Caring for Your Mouth After a Gum Graft
In order to heal properly and in a timely manner, it is essential that you follow the post-procedure instructions you are provided after your gum graft. You will need to avoid eating hard foods and drinking extremely hot or cold liquids for one or two weeks after the procedure. It is likely you will also be prescribed antibiotics to prevent an infection from developing as well as pain medication to alleviate any discomfort you may be feeling.
In addition to following these post-procedure instructions, the best thing you can do to maintain the longevity of your procedure and help assure you will not need additional oral health maintenance in the near future, it to practice good oral hygiene habits and schedule an appointment with your dentist every six months. Doing so allows your dentist to monitor your gum graft and perform a deep cleaning with specialty tools to address potential issues before they develop.
Cost of Gum Grafting
The final cost of your procedure will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the severity of your case and what type of dental plan you are currently enrolled in. Our office does accept cash, most major credit cards, money orders, and personal checks.
If you have concerns about the extent of care required and would like to discuss alternate financial arrangements, please feel free to contact our office to discuss CareCredit. CareCredit helps patients pay for procedures and treatments that are not covered by insurance by offering low minimum monthly payments and No Interest* financing so you can get what you want, when you want it. Applying for Care Credit only takes three simple steps and can provide instant approval.
If you have any additional questions regarding payments, dental insurance coverage, or available financial options, please contact our office and we will be happy to help.
For Beautiful, Healthy Smiles, Contact Us Today!
At John T. Green DDS Inc., we believe a healthy smile is a beautiful smile, which is why we provide an array of dental treatments to cater to health as well as aesthetics. Our practice utilizes world-class labs that create customized restorations to restore the structure and beauty of your teeth. We take the time to explain and educate our patients about the importance of health care and answer any questions you may have about treatment so you can make the best decision for your smile.
With his attention-to-detail for providing high aesthetic results to restoring the health of patients’ teeth and gums, at John T. Green DDS Inc you are in experienced hands. Take your first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile today and schedule an appointment by contacting our office by phone at 937.293.3402 or fill out our online form.