Who is a candidate for gum grafting?

If you have visibly receding gums, it is very likely that you will be a good candidate for gum grafting. However, before you can have the procedure you will need to attend a consultation where your dentist will determine if it is the most suitable solution for your needs.

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.

Can anyone get a gum graft?

Pedicle grafts.

The gum is then pulled over or down to cover the exposed root and sewn into place. This procedure can only be done in people who have plenty of gum tissue near the tooth.

Can you ask for a gum graft?

Visit your dentist once every six months and ask them to look at your gums. If they notice your gums are receding too much, they may recommend a graft. Periodontists are dentists with a specialty in gum health. Your dentist may refer you to one for your graft.

Why would someone need a gum graft?

By having a gum graft, the periodontist can stop this progression in its tracks and avoid many dental issues, including tooth decay and loss as well as bone loss. Gum grafts also protects your mouth overall and reduce sensitivity, a common symptom associated with receding gums.

Gum graft - Coronally advanced flap - Receding gums treatment ©

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.

How do you know if you need gum surgery?

If the gingivitis is minor in nature, it may be possible to heal the gums by simply performing a cleaning. If the gum disease is left untreated, it may be necessary to schedule surgery. This is why it is important to visit a dentist at the first sign of a problem and seek treatment right away.

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.

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.

How much does a gum graft cost?

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 long will a gum graft last?

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 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.

Do gum grafts look natural?

The gum grafts rarely looked natural, even after they had healed, and the whole process was very uncomfortable and painful for the patient.

Can a dentist make new gums?

Often, dentists will use a pen and draw a line to mark the new gum line. That way, you can see exactly how much gum will be removed or how the gum line will be reshaped. A local anesthetic may be applied to numb the area.

How do you get a free gum graft?

Do dentists do gum grafts?

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

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.

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.

How much does it cost to fix a receding gum line?

The cost will vary depending on the amount of gum tissue removed or restored, and whether a specialist performs the procedure. Costs range from $50 to $350 for one tooth or up to $3,000 for all of your front top teeth.

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.

Who needs 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.

How can I avoid gum surgery?

One of the most important things you can do to avoid having to undergo gum surgery is to take proper care of your teeth and gums. This simply requires you to gently brush your teeth at least twice a day and carefully floss your teeth at least once a day.

Are you put to sleep for gum surgery?

Some dentists and periodontists offer sedation dentistry, which involves the use of general anesthesia or sedatives that allow you to sleep for the duration of your procedure. Sedation dentistry may be an ideal option for people who experience anxiety when going to the dentist, or who prefer to sleep during surgery.

Can a receding gum line grow back?

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 do you fix receding gums without surgery?