Brooklyn Gum Graft (Grafting Surgery)

Many people suffer from gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease. The condition can cause gum recession, which also occurs if you smoke or brush your teeth too vigorously. As your gums recede, you experience increased sensitivity, exposure of your tooth roots and even potential bone or tooth loss — especially if you don’t get it treated.

For severe cases of recession, your Brooklyn cosmetic dentist may recommend a gum graft. Gingival graft surgery can:

• Cover the exposed root of your tooth
• Help your body redevelop lost gum tissue
• Make you feel more confident during every day speaking, smiling and eating
• Reverse the multiple effects of gingival recession
• Prevent the possibility of tooth loss

Three Main Types of Gum Grafting Surgery

Receding gums is a gradual process that commonly affects between four and 18 percent of the adult population. Due to the slow nature of its progress, you often overlook it until it’s severe enough to cause tooth sensitivity or become noticeably unattractive. There are three different methods of gum grafting:

1. Connective-tissue graft. The most common procedure involves cutting a flap of skin from the roof of your mouth, called the palate, to remove some tissue. The flap is sutured back into place, and the removed tissue is stitched around the compromised gum area. This technique covers the exposed root. If you’re otherwise healthy, it quickly molds to form a natural, protective barrier. Gum graft recovery is fairly short.
2. Free gingival graft. This method also involves making incisions in your palate, but there’s no flap. Your dentist just removes a larger amount of tissue directly, including some sub-epithelial connective tissue. This tissue is attached around the compromised gum, providing a thicker barrier and larger amount of cushion. If you have thin gums or need extra tissue protection, your Brooklyn family dentist may opt for this surgery.
3. Pedicle graft. If you have relatively healthy gum tissue in all but one or two areas, your dentist may opt to make an incision in your gums close to the affected area, leaving part of the gum attached and stretching the gum carefully over the exposed area. This allows the gum tissue to stay connected to a healthy blood supply as it heals in place and begins protecting the tooth root. You must have a sufficient amount of healthy gum tissue nearby for this method to be successful.

On occasion, your Brooklyn cosmetic dentists may choose to use donated tissue from a tissue bank instead of your own gum tissue. If you have a compromised immune system or exceptionally thin gums, this process allows you to still reap the benefits of gum grafting without compromising your dental health further. Your dentist may combine any of the above methods with tissue-stimulating proteins to help your body grow healthy bone and tissue. In such cases our team may refer you to speciality periodontal clinics in our area for treatment.

Gum Grafting Recovery and Aftercare

Gingival grafting surgery has the same benefits of other same day surgeries, such as being able to recuperate at home. If you were given a sedative to calm you during the procedure, you need someone else to drive you home. Post-operative care includes:

• No brushing or flossing the affected area, along and under the gum line, until you’ve healed completely.
• Your dentist provides a prescription mouthwash that includes antibiotics to prevent infection and ingredients to control plaque.
• You should stick to a diet of soft, cool foods for the first week or two for gum graft recovery. Jell-O, eggs, cottage cheese, well-cooked vegetables, yogurt and ice cream are acceptable.
• Post-operative pain during your recovery is usually minor. Many report it feeling like a bad pizza burn. You can control the pain with over-the-counter or prescription pain-relievers. Your mouth heals quickly, so you should only experience discomfort for a few days.
• Though your mouth may be sore for a week or two, you should be able to resume your normal work routine the day after surgery.

Let your dentist know if you experience any bleeding that isn’t controlled after twenty minutes of pressure. Also report unusual pain, bruising or swelling. Though rare, complications occasionally occur.

Added Benefit of a Smile Makeover

Gum graft surgery is usually at least partially covered by most dental insurance policies. You can expect noticeable benefits including:

• Repairing and preventing gum recession
• Preventing bone and tooth loss
• Protecting your dental health
• Reducing sensitivity around your tooth root
• Helping you eat more comfortably
• Feeling better regarding your smile and appearance

Your Brooklyn family dentist works with your individual needs, taking into consideration your medical and dental health, as well as any budgetary concerns you may have. Your dental health makes a world of difference in the quality of your everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions