Gum Grafting
Gum grafting
Gum grafting (a.k.a. gingival grafting) is a periodontal procedure used to repair damage caused by gum recession. When gum recession occurs, the tooth roots are often exposed, creating a less-than-ideal appearance and a risk area for future tooth decay and bone loss.
We use the gum grafting technique for two main reasons. In the first instance, gum grafting is employed purely for cosmetic purposes, to cover up exposed tooth roots and bring back a beautiful smile. We also use the gum grafting technique to prevent future damage in cases where we believe gum recession has made the tooth and surrounding area susceptible to decay and bone loss.
Gum Grafting
There are several types of gum grafts. The four main types are described below:
• Connective tissue grafts: Connective tissue grafts involve taking a small piece of tissue from underneath a flap of skin in the oral palette. This piece of tissue covers the tooth roots and protects the surrounding areas.
• Free tissue grafts: Free tissue grafts are similar to connective tissue grafts except that the small piece of tissue is taken directly from the roof of the mouth.
• Pedicle grafts: Like the previous two grafts, pedicle grafts borrow tissue from another area of the mouth. However, the tissue is sourced from the area adjacent to the problem area, with one side of the tissue remaining attached to the original blood supply.
• Allografts: Allografts use donor tissue instead of tissue from the patient. We prefer to use the patient’s tissue when possible, but alografts perform better in certain instances.
Gum Graft Healing Stages
Before starting a gum graft treatment plan, it is important to familiarize yourself with the gum graft healing stages. Your periodontist should be your partner throughout the healing process, so it’s important to schedule follow-up appointments so that they can monitor your progress.
• Post-op (1-3 days after gum graft): Following the gum graft procedure, you will experience some discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions, which typically include taking some kind of pain medication and applying ice to the side of your face where the gum graft treatment occurred.
• 4-14 days post-op: The gum graft sutures are typically removed within the first week or so after grafting (unless dissolvable sutures were used). Following suture removal, the swelling and bruising should subside. Often, the graft area takes on a different color as it heals. There is no need to worry if you notice that the graft site has turned slightly pink, white, gray, or yellow. The normal color will return to your gum tissue over time.
• 2-6 post-op: Healing becomes noticeable during this stage as the graft integrates with the surrounding tissue. Over time, you should notice a decrease in sensitivity to temperature and touch, which will help you confidently resume your normal activities.
• 6-12 weeks post-op: Your gum tissue's normal color and texture should return to the graft area. While the graft will take several months to heal completely, it will feel like a part of your body during this stage and much less fragile than before.
We are gum graft experts
At Sacramento Periodontics, our periodontists have successfully performed gum grafts for decades. We aren’t just expert practitioners, either. We also want to be a real partner for you and ensure that you are informed and well-cared for during the healing process. Contact us today to set up a consultation. We would love to explain the gum graft process in detail and create a treatment plan just for you.