Do you need surgery for receding gums?

A gum graft

gum graft

Gum grafting is a type of surgery that's used to treat gums that have receded. It uses a piece of healthy tissue from another part of your mouth to cover an exposed tooth root. The gum grafting procedure itself is painless due to the use of a local anesthetic.

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Gum Graft Pain: Procedure, Recovery, and Pain Management

, 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. In a gum graft, your periodontist first removes a piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth or from nearby healthy gum tissue.

Is surgery necessary for receding gums?

Receding gums can expose teeth roots and provide room for bacteria to grow. A graft protects the roots and makes bacteria easier to manage. You should get a gum graft if you have pain from receding gums. It may take some time to recover, but once you have, you can expect long-term success.

Can receding gums be repaired?

From fluoride treatments to implants, it seems like there's a fix for all our dental woes. However, when it comes to gum health, preventative care is still the best treatment. Receding gums do not regenerate, which means that when your gum tissue is lost, it's gone permanently.

How does a dentist fix receding gums?

To fix receding gums, we can use a procedure called a gum graft. This is a minor surgical procedure that involves taking healthy gum tissue from another part of the mouth and attaching it to where the gums have receded, providing extra tissue to build the gums back up.

How much does fixing receding gums cost?

As a rule of thumb, the best treatment for gum recession may cost you more than you expect, with more advanced conditions requiring most expensive procedures. In general, a typical skin graft can cost between $600 and $1,200 for a single operation.

Gum graft - Coronally advanced flap - Receding gums treatment ©

Is gum grafting painful?

Gum grafting procedure pain

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.

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.

Can you live with receding gums?

The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.

How much does a gum graft cost?

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.

What is severe gum recession?

Gum recession is a form of gum disease. It happens when your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth, exposing the roots underneath. This makes your teeth more vulnerable to cavities.

What is best treatment for receding gums?

Scaling and root planing are some of the first treatments for receding gums that a dentist may recommend . These procedures remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line, where regular brushing cannot reach. Root planing removes plaque and tartar specifically from the roots of teeth.

What happens if you don't treat gum recession?

When gum recession occurs, "pockets," or gaps, form between the teeth and gum line, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up. If left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged, and may ultimately result in tooth loss.

How can I rebuild my gums?

When do u need gum surgery?

People with severe or advanced disease around their gums and the tissues that support their teeth are usually candidates for periodontal surgery. If you have gum disease, your symptoms might include: gums that are swollen, red, or bleeding. deep pockets that form between your gums and teeth.

When should you worry about receding gums?

Receding gums are an oral health concern when they get to the point where tooth roots are exposed. It leads to a higher risk of decay, infection, and loss. Therefore, if you suspect your gums are receding, or a dental professional has brought it up to you, it's time to seek treatment.

Is there an alternative to gum surgery?

Laser gum treatment doesn't involve any scalpels, incisions, sutures, or manual scraping of unhealthy tissue. It's much gentler on your mouth and available to many patients that don't qualify for a flap and osseous surgery.

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.

Can I get dental implants with receding gums?

Patients who have receding gums can still choose dental implants to replace their missing teeth. It is true that, a critical factor to the success of your dental implant is the ability of the implant to be properly supported by the jaw bone and the gum tissue.

How do you stop receding gums from getting worse?

One of the most important things you can do to avoid further gum recession is to brush and floss your teeth twice daily. If your gums have receded due to aggressive brushing, be mindful of the force you are applying while brushing and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Why are my gums suddenly receding?

The most common cause for gum recession is a bacterial infection called periodontal (gum) disease that most often arises from plaque, a thin film of bacteria and food particles accumulating on teeth. Gum disease in turn weakens the gums causes them to recede.

Do gums grow back after surgery?

Any excess gum tissue that is removed to reposition the gum line and reveal more of the teeth will not grow back. This longevity is a relief for patients, particularly those who are self-conscious about the appearance of their gums and don't want to worry about excess gum tissue returning in the future.

Can you smile after a gum graft?

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 gum grafting 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.

Can a periodontist fix receding gums?

Receding gums are unattractive, and they can make your teeth more sensitive. Fortunately, if you've developed this condition, a periodontist can provide a treatment that will correct the problem.

How do you brush receding gums?

Don't brush roughly when trying to get all the grub and plaque away. Instead, massage your brush into your teeth with gentle pressure, moving slowly and methodically around your teeth. Use short motions, about one tooth wide, to reduce the friction on your gums.