Gum Graft
Poor oral hygiene can cause an accumulation of bacteria in the mouth and lead to issues such as gingivitis, periodontitis or gum recession (It happens when the tooth root become visible). Both these conditions lead to the inflammation of the gums. As you may know, receding gums cannot be reversed. Gum grafts are commonly used to treat receding gums and improve overall oral health.
That’s why it’s essential to have good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth often and using antibacterial mouthwash to keep your teeth healthy. Make regular appointments with your dentist for cleanings and check-ups.
In severe circumstances, if gingivitis remains untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, which affects the bones that support the teeth in the mouth. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.
We welcome new patients!
How Do I Know if I Need a Gum Graft?
Clinique Dentaire Lorraine offers various dental services, including gum grafts.
Root planing and dental curettage are common gum disease treatments executed to remove bacteria and tartar lodged in the periodontal pockets and long the roots of the teeth.
These procedures are quite successful at removing tartar lodged in your teeth, while root planing reduces the chances of future bacteria from accumulating on the tooth.
A gum graft surgery might be necessary in more advanced cases with receding gums, bone loss and affected tissue surrounding the tooth. In this procedure, a portion of the tissue from the palate is removed and grafted onto the impacted teeth to avoid further loss of gum tissue.
In rare or extreme cases, a gum graft isn’t a viable option due to permanent damage caused to the tooth and its inability to perform essential functions. In those extreme cases, dental extraction is often recommended.
Of course, before proceeding with any of the above treatments and procedures, a professional assessment is necessary.
Gum Graft Procedures
There are three types of gum graft procedures that dentists usually favor. The chosen treatment will largely depend on the dentist’s expertise, your health history and the severity of your case. These procedures include:
Connective-tissue Grafts
Connective-tissue grafts, which involve transplanting graft tissue, are the most commonly performed procedure to address root exposure. To do so, a flap of skin is removed from your mouth, usually from the palate area, allowing to retrieve the underlying subepithelial connective tissue. This tissue is then stitched to the area surrounding the exposed root.
Free Gingival Grafts
Like the above procedure, gum tissue graft involves taking tissue from the roof of the mouth to directly attach it to the gum area needing treatment. This procedure is popular with people who naturally have fragile and sensitive gums. This additional tissue will help protect their gums and avoid further receding gums and issues.
Pedicle Grafts
Simply put, this procedure uses donor tissue to reposition the tissue from an adjacent area to the exposed root surface.
The Clinique Dentaire Lorraine Difference
We offer a range of services to help you get your best smile. From general dentistry to cosmetic dentistry and even surgeries, we’re here to help!
Our Services:
- Teeth cleaning and exams
- Restorative dental hygiene and dental cavity restoration
- Restoration of implants
- Gum treatment
- Dental extraction
- Root canals
- Preventive devices
- Dental prosthesis
- Pediatric dentistry
- Full or partial dentures
- Teeth whitening
- Orthodontic treatment clinic in Rosemere
- Dental veneers
- Crowns and bridges
- modification of the gingival contour
- Wisdom teeth extraction
- Gum grafts
- Dental implants
- Laser Surgery
FAQ
How Long Does a Gum Graft Last?
As gum graft is usually caused by poor dental hygiene, periodontal disease or aggressive brushing, it’s crucial to follow your dentist’s recommendations to avoid future issues. Gum grafts should last a lifetime, following proper guidelines and maintaining good oral hygiene. Be mindful of the type of toothbrush you use, the level of tooth sensitivity varies from one to another. Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush and lessen the pressure while brushing your sensitive teeth to avoid receding gums.
Is a Gum Graft Painful?
Gum graft procedures are usually performed under local anesthesia, which numbs you and prevents further pain. Once the process is completed and the local anesthesia wears off, you might feel pressure and soreness in the area. Depending on the procedure and your history, you might be prescribed pain medications or antibiotics. After undergoing dental surgery, it is important to follow your dentist’s guidelines for post-operative care.
Is Gum Grafting a Big Surgery?
Recent technological advancements allow dentists to perform gum graft surgeries easily and relatively quickly. Of course, ensuring you’re working with an experienced and trustworthy dentist will largely determine the success of your procedure.
Is Gum Grafting Worth It?
If you’re experiencing pain, you cannot enjoy certain cool foods, or feel bad about your smile, investing in your oral health is always worth it. Gum grafting isn’t simply a safe and effective procedure, but it’s also been proven to treat severe cases of receding and thinning gums, either from lifestyle or genetics.
To avoid complications, ensure you’re working with a specialized dentist with a successful track record to reduce the chances of infections or pain. Proper post-surgery care is essential.
How Painful Is Gum Grafting Recovery?
This will largely depend on the severity of your gum graft procedure and your health history. Generally speaking, with the proper post-surgery pain medications or antibiotics, minimal discomfort is experienced by patients.
However, gum grafting can lead to both root sensitivity to hot and cold foods and an unappealing appearance of the gum and tooth. Adding soft foods to your diet, particularly cooked vegetables, can be beneficial. Avoid foods that are too sweet such as ice cream, hot foods or too salty. If you are experiencing severe pain or notice infections or an abnormal reaction, do not wait weeks, consult your dentist immediately.
How Much Does Gum Graft Cost?
The cost for gum graft surgeries will largely depend on the number of teeth affected, your dentist’s experience and location. Generally, you can expect to pay between $800 and $1200 per tooth. As you can imagine, this will vary widely depending on the usage of donor tissue or not. For more information, please reach out to our team of specialists. We are currently accepting new clients!
Let Us Help You Get Your Best Smile
Gum health is crucial to our well-being. While gum graft procedures can be scary and the prices perhaps intimidating, nothing beats investing in your smile is one of the most worthwhile ways to improve your comfort and well-being.
In just one appointment, we can help remodel your smile or resolve any lingering issue with our top-tier expertise and state-of-the-art-technology. We offer lasting, effective and affordable results. Clinique Dentaire Lorraine is your partner of choice for your dental care. Please don’t wait; contact us today!
Our advices
Remodel your smile in a single visit
The Lorraine Dental Clinic is happy to offer you a state-of-the-art technology that has proven its worth in dental restoration: CEREC technology. This lets you acquire the smile of your dreams in just a single appointment. Whether it’s for an inlay, a...