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.

How long do gum grafts 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.

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.

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 gum graft receding again?

Gum grafting will result in a more even gum line, and your teeth will no longer appear to be overly long. Your gums can recede again, but this is dependent upon you. If you take care of your gums and don't brush overly aggressively, this should be the only gum grafting procedure you need.

Receding Gums Can Now Be Corrected Without Gum Grafting Surgery

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 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.

Is gum grafting risky?

If the procedure was handled by a skilled and experienced dentist, the gum graft procedure is totally safe and the complications are minimal. Potential complications that could occur due to the procedure include severe swelling, infections, uneven healing and loose sutures.

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 do I know if I need a gum graft?

In many cases, a surgeon will recommend a gum graft if the gums are overly thin and weak, even if they haven't drooped. The reason is that they still may not provide the support that your teeth need to stay healthy. Thin gums are fragile, and they're more likely to recede.

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.

Do gum grafts look natural?

By adding new gum tissue with grafting, gums look even, natural, and healthy. They will also be stronger. Your patients will not only have good looking gums again, but their smile will look normal and healthy, too.

How do they fix gum recession?

Gum graft surgery is the most predictable and long-lasting treatment option for gum recession. Typically, a periodontist (gum specialist) performs this procedure. During this surgery, a gum graft is used to replace your missing gum tissue.

Do gums grow back after gum graft?

If you have a very significant gum recession, the best treatment is usually a gum graft. While your gums won't grow back on their own, surgical treatment can be used to replace the missing tissue, and restore both your appearance and your oral health.

Is gum recession permanent?

Unfortunately, once gums have receded, they will not grow back on their own. The good news is that there are treatments available that can help cover the exposed tooth root, restore the gum line, enhance your smile, and protect your oral health. Here's what you need to know.

Can you smile after gum graft surgery?

But gum surgery could alter your smile even more effectively. Though your teeth show more prominently when you smile, your gums play a larger part than you may imagine. The balance between tooth and gum must be correct, or your smile will appear to be slightly off.

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 much does a full mouth gum graft cost?

A very wide range. With that having been said, a typical gum tissue graft can cost from $600 to $3,000. Some of the factors begin with x-rays and a thorough periodontal diagnosis.

Are you awake during gum graft surgery?

The Gum Graft Procedure

A gum graft is an easy procedure. You will receive sedatives so you will not feel any pain or discomfort during the process. You may receive local anesthesia that keeps you awake while numbing your gums. Your dentist will then extract some tissue from your mouth.

At what age do people get gum grafts?

As you grow older, the gum tissue that surrounds and stabilizes your teeth starts to recede or pull away. This exposes more of the tooth root, leaving it vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. About 15-20% of the patients ages 20-35 have some sort of gum recession and may require grafting.

What does a periodontist do for receding gums?

Surgical treatments

Gingivitis and periodontitis can cause your gums to recede, or pull back, exposing a tooth's root. A periodontist can do a gum graft, where they take tissue, usually from the roof of your mouth, and use it to cover the receded gum line.

How often do gum grafts fail?

Success or failure of graft will be determined by the periodontist or the operating surgeon. Failure happens in less than 2% of cases.

Is gum grafting common?

Gum grafting is commonly done using your healthy tissue, but it's not always possible. In severe cases where much of the gums have receded, or if your periodontist has to cover the gum area of upwards of five teeth, an alternative graft may be recommended.

How long does it take for gum grafting to attach?

You should be fully healed from a gum graft in one to two weeks. You'll need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your periodontist a week or so after the procedure so that they can make sure you're healing properly and the graft is successful. After about two weeks, you should be able to brush and floss again.

How long does gum graft surgery procedure take?

Gum grafting is a surgical process that allows a dental professional to take gum tissue from the roof of a patient's mouth and add it to areas that are receding. Patients are given a local anesthetic and the entire process is done in about 90 minutes.