Gum Grafting

Gum grafting or gingival grafting is the surgical procedure employed to repair receding gums, or to cover the exposed tooth roots due to receding gums. Gingiva is the term used for gum tissues, which act as a barrier against the bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Gum tissues also protect the teeth from external trauma, which can be caused by harsh brushing and eating. Now, gum recession can take place due to various factors, out of which the most common factors are gum diseases like, gingivitis and periodontal diseases, aggressive brushing, tobacco use, not brushing or flossing the teeth properly, over exposure to sodium lauryl sulfate and teeth grinding or clenching.

Loss of the gum tissues can expose an individual to several other dental problems like, cavities and caries, tooth sensitivity and tooth erosion. Loose and receding gums can also expose the bones that support the teeth to the harmful bacteria and microorganisms. Therefore, if the gums recede to a large extent, then surgery can become essential to prevent further recession and protect the exposed roots of the teeth from cavities and infection.

Gingival Grafting Procedure

The surgical procedure involves removal of some healthy tissues from the roof of the mouth and then placing them at the site of gum recession. Now, gum graft can be soft tissue graft and connective tissue graft. Soft tissue graft involves the removal of surface skin from the roof of the mouth or palate and its relocation to the areas, where the roots of the teeth have been exposed due to receding gum line. On the other hand, connective tissue graft is the procedure of taking healthy gum tissues from the undersurface of the palatal tissues, and then placing these at the areas of gum recession. Apart from these, sometimes, donated human skin tissues can be medically processed to be used as grafts. Its cost can vary significantly, depending on the location, the number of sessions required and several other factors. The cost can rise, if the initial graft does not work well, or if additional surgeries are required.

Gingival Grafting Recovery

It can take considerable time for healing or recovery. The patient can experience significant pain following the gum graft surgery, for which pain killers can be required. Sometimes, one can experience excessive bleeding from the site, from where the graft is taken. Usually the stitches are removed about a week after the surgery. Though many people can recover from the surgery within three to four weeks, some might take more than a month or two. Again, additional surgeries can be required, if it is found that the graft is not likely to work. Generally, if the instructions for post surgical oral care, as suggested by your oral surgeon are followed properly, one can expect comparatively fast recovery from the surgery. Rinsing the mouth several times a day with saline water and mouthwash can also help in this regard.

Gingival Grafting Benefits

The main advantages or benefits of gingival graft is the reduced risk for a number of dental problems. As has been mentioned already, if the roots of the teeth get exposed, they become vulnerable to bacteria, germs and microorganisms, which in turn can raise the risk for having cavities, tooth decay and infection. Such teeth can also become extremely sensitive. Apart from these, it can help prevent further recession of the gums, which can prove helpful in avoiding serious complications like, bone loss. It can also improve the look of an individual by giving a more even appearance to the teeth and gums. This can improve your esthetics, especially of your smile.

However, it is usually carried out only when the gums have receded to a large extent, as this a serious surgical procedure. It is very important to strictly follow the post operative care and precautionary measures suggested by your surgeon after gum graft surgery. Equally important is to maintain oral hygiene. Take proper dental care and get regular dental check-ups to avoid any complication. If properly done, one can get stronger teeth and better oral health.