Can a general dentist do a gum graft?

Gum grafting is a dental procedure performed by a periodontist (a gum specialist). It's the recommended course of treatment for receding gums to avoid exposing the teeth' root surface that leads to decay and sensitivity.

Can a regular dentist do gum grafts?

Gum grafting replaces the lost tissue around your teeth and improves your overall oral health. Gum grafting surgery is usually done by a periodontist (a gum specialist). In the U.S., a periodontist receives three additional years of focused training after graduating from a four-year dental school.

What type of dentist does gum grafting?

Gum grafting is a periodontist-performed dental treatment. It is the standard treatment for gum recession to avoid exposing the root surface of the teeth, which can lead to decay and discomfort.

Can a dentist do gum surgery?

Pocket reduction surgery procedure

Your dentist may recommend pocket reduction surgery if you have severe gum disease that can't be treated with antibiotics or root planing. Here's what you can expect during your surgery: You'll be given a local anesthetic to numb your gums.

What is the average cost of gum grafting?

The average cost of gum graft surgery ranges from $600 to $1,200 per tooth. If gum contouring is performed to give the gums a more attractive appearance, it may add several hundred dollars to the total cost. Additional factors that impact the price of gum grafting include: Number of teeth being worked on.

Ask a Dentist: Gum Grafting 101

When is it too late for gum grafting?

In some cases, it may be too late for gum grafting to save the gums. If your gums are severely damaged, receding so far back that they expose the tooth's root, or if there is significant bone loss from advanced gum disease, gum grafting may not be able to restore them to their healthy state.

Is gum grafting covered by insurance?

Gum grafting is generally covered by insurance plan; however, every patient's plan will have different levels of coverage and out of pocket expenses.

Is there an alternative to gum grafting?

One of the more popular alternatives to having a traditional gum graft performed is a newer procedure called the Pinhole Surgical Technique. Much like orthoscopic/laparoscopic surgery, this minimally invasive procedure corrects gum recession by making a small hole in your gumline.

How painful is gum grafting surgery?

The actual gum grafting procedure is painless. This is because a local anesthetic is used to numb the affected area. A periodontist, who is a dental specialist in gum disease and the gums, typically performs this procedure. You may instead feel some movement or pressure as your periodontist performs the procedure.

What happens if I don't get a gum graft?

As the gums recede, they form pockets between the tooth and the gums, which become a breeding ground for bacteria buildup. Over time, the bacteria hardens into plaque and tartar, putting you at risk for infections, tooth decay, and advanced gum disease.

Who is not a candidate for gum graft?

Someone whose teeth are healthy

There is no reason to perform a gum graft for a tooth that is very loose or severely damaged. Instead, any tooth problems must be treated before undergoing the gum grafting procedure.

How many teeth can be gum graft at once?

How many teeth need to be grafted? If you need many teeth in your mouth grafted and want to just get this procedure done once, then alloderm should definitely be considered. If you use your own tissue, the most teeth you can typically graft at once would probably be somewhere in the neighborhood of 7-8 teeth.

How many appointments do you need for a gum graft?

Two appointments are needed for a gum graft: the first to perform the surgery and the second to remove sutures and check that the graft is healing correctly. You do not need to modify your diet or fast prior to the procedure – just show up at your appointed time.

What percentage of gum grafts are successful?

Recovery. The gum grafting procedure has a 90% success rate, therefore patients can feel confident the procedure will benefit them. Recovery from this procedure normally takes 4-6 weeks, during which patients will be asked not to brush or floss near the newly repaired area.

Is a gum graft considered major surgery?

Although a gum graft is not considered major dental surgery, it is best to consult with a specialist (periodontist) for optimum results. Preventing the need for gum grafts starts with knowing why gum recession occurs: Heredity – You can't change who your ancestors are, but you can take steps to manage your oral health.

Can I get a gum graft with periodontal disease?

A receding gum line can sometimes cause your teeth to appear uneven and larger than normal. If gum disease is present, treatment is necessary before a gum grafting procedure can occur.

Should I be scared for a gum graft?

There is no need to be scared of getting a gum graft. An anesthetic is usually administered at the start of the treatment, so there is no pain involved. Most patients only deal with mild soreness and discomfort afterward. This can generally be managed with over-the-counter or prescription painkillers.

Do gum grafts look natural?

Because the “tunnelling” gum graft approach is minimally invasive, your new gum graft will be a natural pink color and look so natural, most of our patients cannot even tell which teeth were treated and which were not.

How long do gum grafts take to heal?

Gum grafting recovery

Healing usually is quick. Most patients are fully healed in just one to two weeks. Most people do return to work the day after their procedure though. After gum grafting, your teeth may feel more sensitive than usual.

Is pinhole better than gum graft?

In comparison to traditional gum grafting, the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique offers significant advantages. While a gum graft requires incisions and sutures, pinhole surgery is performed through a tiny opening in the gums. As a result, no scalpels or stitches are necessary.

What is the new treatment for receding gums?

During pinhole surgery, the periodontist makes a tiny incision above the affected tooth or teeth. Then tiny collagen strips are placed inside of the incision, holding the tissue in place and encouraging healing. This means it is far more comfortable for the patient and there is a reduced chance of infection.

Which is better gum graft or pinhole surgery?

Although both gum grafting and PST are effective methods for treating gum recession, there are several unique benefits of PST compared to gum grafting, which include the following: Faster recovery time. Significantly less discomfort during and following treatment. Treatment time significantly reduced.

How do you get a free gum graft?

All free gingival graft treatments involve the surgical manipulation of soft tissues in your mouth. After you have been numbed, the periodontist will remove a section of soft tissue from one area and carefully suture it to the place where you have gum recession.

Can I drive home after a gum graft?

For the most part, patients can drive themselves home after a gum graft. Local anesthesia (novocain) is typically used to numb the areas where the procedure takes place. In some cases, patients opt for a sedative. In this case, transportation will need to be arranged to travel home from the dentist's office.

Will my teeth fall out if my gums recede?

If the gums recede too much, it may result in bone loss, which can cause teeth to loosen or fall out.