What are risks of gum grafting?

Potential complications that could occur due to the procedure include severe swelling, infections, uneven healing and loose sutures.

Is gum graft surgery worth it?

Gum grafting is a highly safe and effective procedure; it has been tested and proven successful in treating countless cases of receding and thinning gums due to aggressive brushing and gum disease. Still, complications and infections may occur, especially without proper post-op care.

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.

How long do gum grafts last for?

There's no scalpel or sutures, so healing is rapid. Treatment is significantly faster than standard gum grafting. Treatment is permanent and if the cause of recession is corrected, it will last for years.

How common is it for a gum graft to fail?

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

Gum Grafting complications

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.

Can gum grafts go wrong?

Of the many different different types of dental surgical procedures, gum grafts have a higher chance of failure. However, when done with an experienced and knowledgeable periodontist, you will have the highest chance of gum graft success.

Can gums recede after gum graft?

They will bring your gumline back down and cover the tooth roots that were exposed. 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.

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.

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.

How painful is a gum graft?

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.

How long is recovery from gum graft surgery?

A gum graft takes one to two weeks to heal. During this time, you'll need to follow strict instructions, including what you can and cannot eat. Your compliance with these directions can affect your outcome.

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 long does a gum graft procedure take?

How long does the procedure take? When arriving at our dental office for a gum grafting procedure, you can expect the entire process to take about 1-1.5 hours. While the surgery itself should take no longer than one hour, it is best to allow for extra time to ensure you are comfortable.

Is gum grafting permanent?

Gum grafting surgery permanently covers the exposed root, helps reduce discomfort, and restores the good health of the gums. Improved appearance – Periodontal disease is characterized by gum recession and inflammation.

Can I talk after gum graft surgery?

Avoid Talking (As Much As Possible)

Talking causes your mouth's muscles to stretch, which, in turn, can loosen up the gauze and increase the chances of bleeding. Refraining from speaking is hard, but try to remain silent as much as possible for the first two to three days after gum grafting surgery.

Do gum graft save teeth?

Gum grafting is an oral surgery during which we take tissue from elsewhere and rebuild your gums. Grafting encourages healthy tissue growth as your gums attach to the grafted tissue. Gum grafting can stop the progression of gum recession and even save your natural teeth.

How do you prepare for a gum graft?

What can you eat after a gum graft?

For two or three days following a gum graft, eat soft and unsticky foods. Eat lots of things like warm (not hot) oatmeal, cream of wheat cereal, eggs, yogurt, pasta, smoothies (not too cold), and mashed potatoes that have cooled slightly. Jello is another ideal option.

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.

Are antibiotics necessary after gum graft?

Antibiotics are only indicated following tissue grafting if the tissue source is from a donor. In most cases, the tissue is harvested from the patient so no antibiotic coverage is necessary. Swelling may occur following your surgical procedure and typically peaks approximately 2-3 days after the procedure.

What happens after a gum graft fails?

Rarely, a patient may develop an infection or the graft will fail to integrate with the existing gum tissue. If you notice any bleeding or other fluid oozing from your surgery site, let your doctor know right away so they can begin treatment for a possible infection. If your graft fails, you may require re-treatment.

What is the average cost of gum grafting?

Cost of Gum Graft 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.

How do you fix receding gums without surgery?

Open flap scaling and planing: If non-surgical treatment hasn't worked, your dentist may recommend open flap scaling and planing, where the affected gum tissue is folded back to get better access to clean and smooth the roots. The gum is then reattached snugly, making it easier to keep clean and healthy.

Can anything reverse receding gums?

Gum recession can't be reversed. This means receded gum tissue won't grow back. However, you can keep the problem from getting worse. Treatment usually depends on the cause of the gum problems.