Have you noticed your gums receding, exposing more of your teeth and leaving you concerned about sensitivity or long-term oral health? Gingival graft surgery is the answer to this problem.
Often recommended to restore and protect the gum line, gum grafting can be a procedure that prevents further damage and preserves your smile.
Do not let gum pain or sensitivity compromise your quality of life. Gum graft surgery at a Calgary clinic can restore comfort, health, and confidence.
Gingival Graft Surgery: Key Benefits & Takeaways
- Gingival graft surgery treats gum recession by restoring lost tissue and regenerating the affected area.
- The procedure is done under local anesthesia and typically heals within weeks.
- Gum grafting can prevent further damage, reduce sensitivity, and enhance the appearance of your smile.
What is the Gingival Graft Procedure?
A gum graft is a surgical dental procedure used to address gum recession, a condition where the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, leaving the roots exposed. This can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, a higher risk of decay, and potential bone loss around the affected teeth. Gum grafting restores the lost gum tissue, protects the teeth, and supports overall oral health.
This procedure is performed by a periodontist in Calgary, a dental specialist with advanced training in treating gum-related conditions.
Looking for a trusted dentist for a connective tissue graft in Calgary? Book your appointment at Auburn Bay Dental.
Who Needs a Gum Tissue Graft Procedure?
A dentist Calgary may suggest gum graft surgery for several reasons, including:
- Progressive gum recession: Gums are pulling away from your teeth, and the condition is expected to worsen.
- Tooth sensitivity: When gum disease leads to tissue loss and exposed tooth root, teeth may become sensitive to temperature changes or pressure.
- Aesthetic improvement: Some individuals choose gum grafting for cosmetic reasons, such as creating a more even gum line.
Types of Gum Graft Procedures
There are three primary types of gum graft surgeries, each selected based on the patient’s specific condition and needs:
- Connective tissue graft: Also known as subepithelial connective tissue graft, is the most commonly used method for treating gum recession. Create a small flap on the roof of the mouth to access and remove a layer of connective tissue beneath the surface. This tissue is then stitched onto the area where the gums have receded.
- Free gingival graft: A thin piece of tissue is taken from the surface of the palate and placed over the area of recession. Recommended for patients with thin or fragile gums or when additional gum thickness is needed to prevent further recession.
- Pedicle graft: Uses tissue from the gum area adjacent to the recession site. A flap is partially cut and repositioned over the exposed root. This method is used when there is enough healthy gum tissue near the affected area.
What to Expect from a Gum Surgery?
A periodontist will first conduct a comprehensive oral examination, take dental X-rays, and create a personalized treatment plan.
Gum grafting can be performed using various surgical techniques. Each approach involves placing gum tissue, either from your own mouth or a donor, over the affected areas to restore lost gum coverage.
The primary objectives are to prevent tooth loss, protect the underlying jawbone, and alleviate symptoms such as tooth sensitivity caused by thin gums or receding gums.
How to Prepare for a Periodontal Surgery?
Avoid tobacco or cannabis use for at least one week prior. Your periodontist may also advise you to pause certain medications, particularly blood thinners like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) and beta-blockers used for heart-related conditions.
Grafting Procedures
A periodontist performs graft surgery using local anesthesia to numb the area and minimize discomfort. The procedure takes about one hour per tooth and involves several key steps:
- Anesthesia: For a pain-free procedure, a local anesthetic is administered, and in some cases, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may be used for relaxation. General anesthesia, which puts you to sleep, is rarely necessary for this type of surgery.
- Preparing the site: A small incision is made near the affected tooth to create a flap in the gum. The exposed tooth root is then thoroughly cleaned.
- Tissue harvesting: If tissue from your own mouth is being used, a small section is removed from the inner layer of the palate. The area is then cleaned and sutured to aid healing.
- Use of donor or synthetic tissue: Donated tissue or a synthetic material known as acellular dermal matrix may be used instead of harvesting from the patient’s palate.
- Graft placement: The new tissue is carefully positioned over the exposed root. The periodontist may also adjust the surrounding gum tissue for proper coverage and support. Gauze is applied to manage bleeding during the final stages of the procedure.
Recovery Time and Guidelines
The gum graft integrates fully with the surrounding tissue within four to twelve weeks, while symptoms improve within approximately two weeks. Healing times can vary due to multiple factors, including the complexity of the procedure.
Timeline
Time | What Happens | What to Do |
Day 1 | Gum pain, discomfort, and some bleeding during the first 24 hours. | Avoid brushing or flossing near the surgical site and stick to liquids or very soft foods. Use an antibacterial mouthwash to keep the area clean. |
Week 1 | Pain lessens within the first two days. Swelling can persist for three to four days, and bruising may last up to a week. | Gently brush your teeth, but avoid the gums near the graft. Your periodontist may remove stitches during your follow-up appointment. |
Week 2 | Swelling and bruising subside. | Consult your periodontist about when to stop any prescribed medications. Gradually start eating more solid foods, but should not resume normal brushing or flossing in the treated area. |
Weeks 3-4 | Sensitivity and other symptoms decrease. | Return to your normal diet and oral hygiene routine. |
Months 2-3 | Surgery site begins to resemble the surrounding gums. | Your periodontist may schedule follow-up visits or more frequent cleanings to monitor healing. Maintaining good oral hygiene remains essential to support long-term success. |
Dietary Guidelines
It’s best to stick to a cool, liquid diet. Avoid carbonated drinks and alcohol for at least a week.
As your recovery progresses, you can slowly start adding more foods back into your diet. Begin with soft options such as boiled carrots, oatmeal, eggs, noodles, pasta, and fish. Avoid very hot, cold, crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods until your periodontist approves.
When resuming normal eating, take care to be gentle with your mouth and jaw. Cut food into small pieces, chew slowly, and avoid putting pressure on the treated areas.
Other Guidelines
During the first few days, prioritize rest and protect your mouth from strain. Avoid moderate physical activities such as running, swimming, or racket sports for at least one week.
Applying pressure to your gums can interfere with healing and cause damage. If you play wind or brass instruments, refrain from playing until you have fully recovered. You must also avoid using straws or engaging in activities like blowing up balloons to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your gums.
Your Gums Affect Your Overall Health, Book That Appointment in Calgary Today
If you are experiencing gum recession, our team at Auburn Bay Dental may recommend gum graft surgery when other treatments are no longer effective. This procedure can also serve a cosmetic purpose by improving the appearance of your smile.
Gum grafting can be a great investment, so it is important to understand your options in advance and take steps to treat gum recession early. Book an appointment at Auburn Bay Dental so we can guide you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does gum grafting cost?
Gum graft procedures cost between $500 and $1500 per tooth. In Canada, dental insurance may cover some or all of the cost, so check your policy. If insurance doesn’t cover everything, many clinics offer payment plans that let you pay in installments over time.
What is the difference between gum graft surgery and laser gum treatment?
Laser treatment is minimally invasive, using a laser to remove infected tissue without cutting. Results in less pain, bleeding, and swelling. It also offers a faster healing time, though it may be more expensive and not always covered by insurance.
Traditional gum surgery involves incisions in the gums with a scalpel. It is more affordable and widely covered by insurance, and it may be more effective for treating severe cases of gum disease.
How to manage pain after gum grafting?
Take over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Motrin. If the pain is severe, your dentist may prescribe stronger medication.
Avoid touching the treated area while it heals and stick to soft foods and drinks like smoothies, yogurt, or scrambled eggs.
