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.

When is a gum graft not possible?

Alternative grafts

Gum grafting is commonly done using your healthy tissue, but it's not always possible. In severe cases where much of the gums have receded, or if your periodontist has to cover the gum area of upwards of five teeth, an alternative graft may be recommended.

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.

Who is a good candidate for gum grafting?

The right candidate for gum grafting

The ideal candidate for this type of procedure is one who has had severe periodontal disease around the gums and the teeth. This is the type of patient who would benefit from the procedure.

When is a gum graft recommended?

Gum graft surgery is recommended when the gums have receded enough to expose the roots of your teeth. As the gums recede, they form pockets between the tooth and the gums, which become a breeding ground for bacteria buildup.

Why Jenny chose the Pinhole Surgical Technique over conventional Gum Grafting

Why would a gum graft fail?

Why did my gum graft fail? That's a tough question to answer but there's usually one of two main causes. Either it was a surgical error or you did not do a good enough job following the post-surgical instructions.

What can you not do before gum grafting?

Hot or Cold Foods

Foods that are extremely hot or cold such as ice cream, oatmeal, or soup can cause sensitivity and increase pain. It's best to eat foods that are room temperature to reduce any chances of aggravating the surgical site(s).

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.

What is the success rate of gum grafting?

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 gum grafting worth it?

Is gum graft surgery worth it? Gum grafting boasts high success rates of over 90%. This procedure gives you the best chance of treating gum recession and improving your overall oral health. Left untreated, gum recession can result in cavities, severe gum disease, tooth mobility and even eventual tooth loss.

How many teeth can you do a gum graft on?

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.

Can you get a gum graft with bone loss?

If you have severe gum disease known as periodontitis, you may have lost some of the bone that holds your teeth in place. Your dentist or a gum disease specialist (periodontist) may suggest a bone graft. Bone grafts can help grow new bone to replace the bone destroyed by periodontitis.

Is gum grafting covered by medical 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.

How painful is gum grafting recovery?

The level of pain you experience will also vary depending upon what type of gum graft you have performed. If no tissue is removed from your palate, you will likely not experience much discomfort at all; however, if tissue is removed, you should plan on some mild to moderate discomfort following the procedure.

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.

How long do stitches stay in after gum graft surgery?

DO NOT manipulate any stitches at the GUM GRAFT SITE. These stitches are resorbable and will dissolve in 4 to 7 days. The HARVEST SITE will have either a liquid band-aid or resorbable stitches. The liquid band-aid will chip away over the next 1-2 weeks.

What happens if you don't get gum surgery?

Left untreated, gingivitis will progress to periodontitis, which can range from moderate to severe. While gingivitis causes unpleasant symptoms, most of those symptoms are reversible. Periodontitis causes irreversible damage to your teeth and supporting structures.

Does gum graft change your smile?

Soft Tissue Gum Grafts Restore Original Root Coverage

Treatment depends on each individual, but if its only a question of gum recession — showing a little more root — soft tissue gum grafts can be an ideal solution. Everyone who undergoes the procedure ends up with a more youthful smile.

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.

Does a gum graft 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.

Can you drive yourself home after gum graft surgery?

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.

How do you sleep with a gum graft?

Following oral surgery, we recommend that you sleep with your head and shoulders propped up above your heart level. Add an extra pillow or two to your bed or to the place where you will be resting. If you have a recliner, this is also an excellent way to keep your head elevated.

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.

Is periodontal disease considered medical or dental?

Gum disease is not solely a dental issue; periodontal disease can have a myriad of effects on one's overall health and general well being. Periodontal disease is a medical condition as well, one of a serious nature, requiring the treatment of a qualified periodontist.

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.