Gum Tissue Graft – the Important Things you Need to Know

Need a gum transplant? When your dentist proposes an oral treatment, we’re positive that you want to enlighten yourself as well as possible before opting for the surgery.

Similar to any surgical procedure, you should find out how to prepare well for it, what to expect and how to heal quickly.

Whether you’re stopping your gum from receding further or enhancing your smile, here’s what you need to know before you have your gum tissue grafted.

Why Gum Grafts are Performed

If your gums recede, your dentist can suggest that you graft the gum tissue. Gum recession reveals your teeth’s roots. This will make the teeth’s root surface more vulnerable to rot, as well as more reactive and to abrasion. A gum graft, also referred to as a gingival graft, may correct the receding gums.

Different Types of Grafts are Available

A gum graft is not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are several ways the dentist can complete the operation, as well as several options to procure the tissue used for the grafting.

One of the more common solutions is a connective-tissue graft. Your dentist will make an incision in the mouth’s surface, which will create a flap to enter the tissue under the flap.

Your dentist will close the incision in the roof of your mouth after removing the required amount of tissue for your graft. They then stitch your gums to the tissue as appropriate.

After the Procedure, you may Have to Change Your Eating Habits

You shouldn’t feel much pain right after that the gum grafting procedure, other than the area getting numb.

The discomfort can continue to get worse as the local anesthesia fades away, therefore, you should get a prescription for pain killers straight after the treatment if you can. This way, you can take the first dose of pain medication before the anesthesia goes away completely.

How Gum Graft Surgery is Performed

Gum grafting is also necessary before dental implants. A periodontist may typically take connective tissue from the roof of the mouth (palate) during gum grafting surgery and suture it to the infected gum-line.

This helps the uncovered root surface (gum recession) to expand and close in with more tissue. The affected region at the palate is sutured and/or lined for recovery after extracting the tissue to be transplanted. The ultimate effect is a pretty new smile and improved oral health.

What the Recovery Process for a Gum Graft Looks Like

Gum graft complications, such as an infection, are rare and unusual. You’ll need to eat only soft, cold foods (and skip heavy, hot foods) for the first week or two of your recovery to guarantee you don’t hurt the graft.

Your dentist would typically consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash to avoid bacteria, plaque accumulation on your teeth, or grease problems affecting the graft area/s.

Your dentist can also prescribe an over-the-counter pain reliever to offer some relief if you are needing to deal with any pain or irritation.

The Success Rate is High

The Gum grafting success rate is very high. In fact, the success rate also improves significantly when patients brush properly and observe proper oral hygiene practises.

People with gums that recede have teeth that look longer than average. After a gum graft, it should preserve the natural and regular appearance of the teeth.

Complications are Rare

Gum graft operation complications are rare and unusual. Nevertheless, people can experience the following things: bleeding gums, swollen gums, looser teeth (although this will only be temporary), weak teeth, gaps between the teeth, and inflammation.

The graft tissue can sometimes not properly adhere to the graft site. That is very rare, but if this happens a person will need to undergo additional surgery.

Many people don’t like how their face looks after their surgery with the gum graft. The periodontist will be able to reshape the gums of these cases to better improve the way they appear.

Conclusion

Gum grafts can help reduce the irritation of teeth caused by a receding line of the gum and enhance your smile.

The related risk is very small but in the case of serious pain or infection, it is strongly advised that you see a dentist. A follow-up appointment to replace the stitches is also advised within a week. It’s advised that you stop athletics and other related physical activity before your follow-up appointment.