Gum grafting is a procedure performed when your gums have pulled away from your teeth. When the root of a tooth is visible, it needs to be protected. At our dental center we use gum recession surgery to transplant tissue from a healthy part of your mouth where you need it more. Gum graft failure is rare, although it does take time for your gum graft recovery to complete. Your dental specialist comes highly recommended and is very experienced, which decreases your risk of gum graft failure. Visit our dentistry practice in the Bronx, NY for if you are looking for an experienced Gum Graft dentist.
As you age, your gums become more susceptible to gum disease. Wear and tear, poor health and compromised immune systems contribute to gum recession and the accompanying damage to your teeth and bone structure. Gum recession surgery corrects the condition when your gums pull away from your tooth, exposing more of the tooth root. The gradual process of gum recession is a common dental problem.
If left unattended, gum recession can result in root sensitivity and eventual tooth loss. Gum grafting refers to the procedures developed to help your NYC dentist protect your otherwise healthy teeth from the damaging effects of receding gums. These procedures have the added advantage of improving the appearance of your smile. When done by a qualified dentist like those at the Dentist in the Bronx, your teeth remain healthy and functional.
Gum Grafting Procedures
While the idea of gum surgery may sound ominous, it’s actually common and relatively easy. There are three different types of procedures:
- Connective tissue graft. The most common kind of gum graft, this procedure treats the root exposure by cutting a small flap of skin in the roof of your mouth and removing tissue underneath. This flap is sutured closed and the tissue is stitched around the exposed tooth root.
- Free gingival graft. This procedure is the same as the connective tissue graft, except the tissue is taken directly from the roof of your mouth, not under the flap of skin. This procedure is used when you have thin gums and need extra tissue to enlarge your gums.
- Pedicle graft. During this procedure, our dentist cut a flap of skin near the exposed root, leaving one edge intact. He stretches the flap down to cover the exposed root and sutures it in place.
It’s possible, depending on your oral and medical health and history, that your dentist decides to use tissue from a tissue bank. He may also use tissue-stimulating proteins to encourage your body’s own ability to regrow bone and tissue. Talk to your Bronx dentist about which procedure is best for you.
Gum Graft Recovery
Recovery from a gum graft varies, depending on where and how much tissue was cut. It’s a same-day surgery, so you’ll leave once you’re recovered enough. If you elected to receive a sedative, someone else needs to drive you home.
Your dentist gives you instructions regarding physical activity, which you can usually resume in one to three days. Regarding oral care, don’t floss or brush any repaired areas. Over-the-counter or prescription pain relief, along with antibiotic mouthwash, helps you heal. You also need to restrict your diet for up to one week. Eat only soft foods to protect the graft and sutures. Recommended foods include:
- Eggs
- Jell-O
- Cottage cheese
- Yogurt
- Pasta
- Well-cooked vegetables
- Ice cream or sherbet
Gum Grafting Pain
During the procedure, you’re given a local anesthetic, although some patients opt for a mild, general anesthetic. Afterward, you may be uncomfortable due to the incisions and sutures. If you receive a pedicle graft, the pain is minimal. If your NYC dentist (open on Saturday) makes an incision in the roof of your mouth, that area is going to be as sore as a bad burn from hot food, such as pizza.
The good news is that your mouth heals quickly, and your dentist can provide prescription pain medicine if over-the-counter pain relievers don’t work. The cold soft foods soothe the burned feeling and keep the sutures supple.
Ask your dentist about a covering stent to put pressure on the stitches across the roof of your mouth and prevent injury from your tongue or from eating. Because a soft or liquid diet is unusual, you may feel extra tired during the day, so plan accordingly.
Concerns for Gum Recession Surgery
You may suffer symptoms after gum recession surgery that requires further treatment. Contact your dentist right away if you experience:
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop after 20 minutes of applied pressure
- More pain, bruising or swelling than expected
- Fever or chills
- Sudden, sharp pain
Gum graft failure, while very rare, can occur. If you are a smoker, have diabetes or suffer from another immune-suppressing disorder or disease, you may experience gum graft failure. The procedure can be repeated once you’re healthier. Even if the graft succeeds, you may experience gum problems again in the future.
Prevention before and after gum grafting — good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, a well-balanced diet, and cessation of smoking — reduces your risks, promotes gum graft recovery, and lessens the chance of future problems. Your Bronx dentist, open on Saturday, works with you to improve your gum health and enhance your smile.
Do you have any questions about the gum grafting procedure in Bronx, NY? Would you like to find out more about gum graft cost or to schedule an appointment with the best-rated Bronx, periodontist? Please contact our dental center for a consultation with a gum graft specialist.