Gum Graft Surgery

Gum grafting is the surgical method used for repairing receding gums, especially when roots of the teeth get exposed due to receding gum line. Receding gums can give rise to several problems including, tooth decay, plaque formation, cavities and teeth hypersensitivity. Sometimes receding gums can also lead to complications like, loss of the underlying jaw bones that support the teeth. The gum tissues, which are known as gingiva actually, act as a barrier against the bacteria and also protect the teeth from trauma or injury. So, loss of gum tissues or gum recession exposes the roots and the underlying bones to microorganisms, which can eventually result in cavities, caries, hypersensitivity and tooth erosion.

Gum Grafting

Surgical Procedure
Gum recession can be caused by the interplay of various factors. Sometimes, it can be the result of gum diseases like, gingivitis, periodontal diseases, while at other times, it can be caused by vigorous brushing, teeth grinding or clenching, over exposure to sodium lauryl sulfate and not brushing and flossing the teeth regularly. Over a period of time, gum recession can give rise to several complications, as has been mentioned already. To prevent all such complications, gingival graft surgery is performed, where the receding gum tissues are repaired, in order to prevent further recession and cover the exposed roots of the teeth.

In this surgery, a surgeon removes some tissues from the roof of the mouth or palate, and then places and sutures it to the receding gum line, in order to cover the exposed part of the root. Sometimes, the surgeon can remove the surface skin of the roof of the mouth, along with connective tissue and then relocates it to the affected areas. However, this procedure can leave an exposed wound at the donor site and can be quite painful. Therefore, most of the time, it involves the removal of the connective tissues that lies in between the surface tissue of the roof of the mouth and the bone. For this, the surgeon makes an incision to get the connective tissue from the undersurface of the palatal tissue. This procedure involves less pain and even the wound is much smaller.

Recovery
Healing or recovery from this surgery can take some time. Pain and swelling can be experienced following the surgery. As far as healing of the wound at the donor site (roof of the mouth) is concerned, it would depend on how deep the wound is, i.e. how much tissue has been taken from the area. In some instances, one can experience a lot of bleeding from the site, from where the graft has been taken. The newly grafted tissue on the receding gums will slowly bind to the root and bone surface. Eventually, new blood vessels will be formed in the area. But, if it is found that the graft is not going to work, then additional surgeries can be required. In such a situation, recovery from the surgery can take more time. But, usually the entire recovery process takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

Complications
Like other surgical procedures, it can also give rise to certain complications including, the risk for infection and severe swelling and inflammation. Sometimes, the sutures can loosen, which can displace the graft. Occasionally, tissues can also slough from the palate or roof of the mouth. In addition to these, some other complications are, pain in the jaw joint, difficulty in opening the mouth following the surgery, tooth sensitivity and looseness of the tooth.

However, risks for such complications can be avoided to a great extent by following the post operative care and precautionary measures, suggested by the surgeon. The entire recovery process depends on a number of factors including, the number of sessions required. In case of additional surgeries, surgery cost can also rise considerably. If done properly, surgery can prevent the further recession of gums and complications associated with receding gum line. However, it is better to have a talk with an expert surgeon regarding various aspects of the surgery like, the chances for the success of the procedure, complications, cost, as well as post operative care, before opting for gum graft.