Can anyone have a gum graft?

If you don't have good tissue, you can have someone else's tissue transplanted into your mouth. This is a good option for people who have advanced gum disease. Your dentist will then apply the tissue to the area where the gums have receded. The procedure is complete once the tissue is put in place.

Who qualifies for a gum graft?

The right candidate for gum grafting

The ideal candidate for this type of procedure is one who has had severe periodontal disease around the gums and the teeth. This is the type of patient who would benefit from the procedure. There are several symptoms of gum disease.

Is a gum graft worth it?

While gum tissue grafts are effective at repairing gum recession and preventing further damage, there is no guarantee that gum problems won't develop again in the future. However, with regular dental checkups and careful dental care at home, serious damage requiring surgery can be prevented.

Can a general dentist perform a gum graft?

Are general dentists capable of performing oral surgery? In a nutshell, a general dentist is able to perform certain types of minor oral surgery. However, experienced dentists recognize personal limitations, so a patient may be referred to an oral surgeon specializing in caring for particular dental situations.

When should I get a gum graft?

Gum graft surgery is recommended when the gums have receded enough to expose the roots of your teeth. As the gums recede, they form pockets between the tooth and the gums, which become a breeding ground for bacteria buildup.

Gum graft - Coronally advanced flap - Receding gums treatment ©

Is there an alternative to gum grafting?

One of the more popular alternatives to having a traditional gum graft performed is a newer procedure called the Pinhole Surgical Technique. Much like orthoscopic/laparoscopic surgery, this minimally invasive procedure corrects gum recession by making a small hole in your gumline.

How much does it cost to graft a gum?

Cost of Gum Graft Surgery

A couple of things can affect the overall cost of your gum surgery. The base cost of a gum graft can be between $600 and $1200 per tooth. A periodontist is a specialist so is likely to have a higher fee. Donor tissue is more expensive than tissue that is harvested from the roof of your mouth.

Can I get a gum graft with periodontal disease?

Gum tissue grafting fights the damage caused by periodontal disease. By grafting healthy tissue onto weak, receding gums, we can help you prevent ongoing decay and reduce your risk of tooth loss.

Is a gum graft covered by insurance?

Gum grafting is generally covered by insurance plan; however, every patient's plan will have different levels of coverage and out of pocket expenses.

How do you get a free gum graft?

Can a dentist do anything for receding gums?

In cases of gum recession, your dentist might suggest scaling and root planing. This is a two-part procedure done by your dentist. Firstly, all the plaque and hardened tartar above and below the gum line (where the gum meets the tooth) is removed.

How painful is a gum graft?

The actual gum grafting procedure is painless. This is because a local anesthetic is used to numb the affected area. A periodontist, who is a dental specialist in gum disease and the gums, typically performs this procedure. You may instead feel some movement or pressure as your periodontist performs the procedure.

Can a dentist reverse receding gums?

Unfortunately, gum recession cannot be reversed. The tissue will not grow back but there are specific steps to take to keep the recession from getting worse. Successful treatment ultimately depends on how your gum recession originated in the first place.

Who is not a candidate for gum graft?

The tooth or teeth to be covered by a gum graft have to be healthy, too. An infected tooth or teeth might not benefit from gum graft and can cause further infection if not treated. Teeth that are too loose may not serve as an adequate anchor for a gum graft.

How much does it cost to fix receding gums?

While this can vary depending on which dentist you see, the cost of gum disease treatment can cost up to $2,000, or even more. This means that the earlier you have the condition treated, the more money you'll save. In many cases, you may need a gum tissue graft, which can cost between $1,600 and $2,000, if not more.

How much does a gum graft cost without insurance?

How much does gum graft surgery cost? The cost of gum graft surgery can run between $600 and $1200 per tooth. Donor tissue is more expensive than tissue harvested from the patient's own mouth and if gum contouring is required as well, the overall cost of gum graft surgery can be up to $3000 per tooth.

How do you pay for gum grafting?

As mentioned earlier, gum grafts are typically covered by insurance plans, however it is important to be aware of other payment options if you do not have insurance. Patients with FSA's can contribute $2,600 to their account annually.

Do gum grafts look natural?

I was always unhappy with the gum graft techniques that were taught and used by the majority of periodontists who performed gum grafts. The gum grafts rarely looked natural, even after they had healed, and the whole process was very uncomfortable and painful for the patient.

What is the success rate of gum grafting?

Recovery. The gum grafting procedure has a 90% success rate, therefore patients can feel confident the procedure will benefit them. Recovery from this procedure normally takes 4-6 weeks, during which patients will be asked not to brush or floss near the newly repaired area.

Can a regular dentist do a bone graft?

Dental bone grafts are extremely common. They may be performed by a general dentist or a specialist, such as a periodontist or an oral surgeon.

How long does gum grafting last?

No matter the type of oral procedure, proper care and maintenance are necessary to ensure results last as long as possible. With a gum graft, you can expect it to remain in place for a lifetime, but you will need to take care of your oral health on a daily basis.

Can gum graft fix receding gums?

A gum graft, also known as a gingival graft, can correct receding gums. Your dentist may refer you to a periodontist, a gum specialist, for this simple surgical procedure.

Can receding gums grow back?

You Need To See A Dentist To Get Treatment For Gum Recession

In most cases, your gum tissue will not come back once you've lost it. It's gone for good. However, this doesn't mean you're completely out of luck. With the right periodontal treatment, you may be able to halt the progression of gum recession.

Are receding gums common?

Receding gums are a common condition. Even with good oral hygiene habits, aging and genetics can still cause gum loss. While your gum tissue can't grow back, there are many treatment options that can help stop or slow down the process.

What can I do to stop my gums from receding?

How Can I Prevent Gum Recession? The best way to prevent gum recession is to take good care of your mouth. Brush and floss your teeth every day and see your dentist or periodontist at least twice a year, or as recommended. If you have gum recession, your dentist may want to see you more often.