While gum contouring uses a laser to remove excess gum tissue and reshape the appearance of the gum, gum grafting is used to restore the gum in cases where the gum tissue has receded. If you're showing too much gum or want to change the look of your smile, gum contouring or grafting could be for you.
As most surgical procedures, gum grafting surgery implicates risk of infection, bleeding, and reaction to anesthesia. Besides, severe pain, bone rejection, inflammation, swelling, nerve injury, bacterial exposure of wounds, loose sutures, uneven healing, and more…
A gum graft not only makes a smile more proportionate, but it also looks completely natural. Once you fully recover from this restorative and cosmetic procedure, onlookers will not be able to tell that you have had some work done. Long-lasting results.
For soft tissue “gum” grafts, the site(s) may appear white during the healing process (up to 2 weeks), this is normal and not a sign of infection. The tissue will change to a pink color as it heals.
It takes a few weeks to heal and swelling to subside, and during that time the graft will adapt to the area. After that, it will take another few weeks to see the full benefits — the restored appearance of the gums.
In some cases, it may be too late for gum grafting to save the gums. If your gums are severely damaged, receding so far back that they expose the tooth's root, or if there is significant bone loss from advanced gum disease, gum grafting may not be able to restore them to their healthy state.
Is gum graft surgery worth it? Gum grafting boasts high success rates of over 90%. This procedure gives you the best chance of treating gum recession and improving your overall oral health. Left untreated, gum recession can result in cavities, severe gum disease, tooth mobility and even eventual tooth loss.
If large amounts of your graft appear white or even grey, it may signal dead or necrotic tissue. This gum tissue will typically look like it's peeling away from the tooth roots. Early loss of the Surgical Dressing.
Do not look at the surgery site after leaving here. Some areas may remain sore for 5 to 6 days. The grafts may be a whitish or grayish appearance for 4 to 6 days after surgery, but this is normal until full blood circulation is restored.
Following your gum grafting surgery, you can expect to feel some discomfort, especially on your palate (the roof of your mouth). The tissue at the graft site may feel tight, and the graft itself will look very red and may go through several color changes as it receives a blood supply and heals.
A gum graft is a surgical cosmetic dentistry procedure during which your periodontist takes synthetic tissue or tissue from your palate to replace gum tissue that is receding from your teeth. It is often used on patients with periodontal problems caused by: Severe gum disease. Vigorous brushing.
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. This means brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and being mindful of how much pressure you're using while brushing.
Gum grafting procedures can be a great solution for those experiencing gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and other oral health issues. These procedures can help to restore the gums to their natural state, providing a strong and healthy foundation for your teeth.
Someone whose gums are free of gum disease
If a gum graft is performed on unhealthy gums, then it is likely that the procedure will fail. Good gum health is essential to a successful gum grafting.
Throughout your surgery, you can expect to feel no pain whatsoever, as the anesthesia will ensure you are thoroughly numb. However, once you are home and the effects have worn off, it is not uncommon to experience some soreness and discomfort. Fortunately, there are ways to manage the pain and avoid complications.
You can whiten your teeth after your gum tissue heals from surgery. Depending on your dentist's surgical technique or the graft, you can expect between four to eight weeks for complete healing.
Gum grafting surgeries have a success rate of up to 90%. Besides, with local anesthesia, you should not experience any pain during your treatment. Afterward, your dentist will prescribe pain medication to help you manage your soreness after the numbing wears off.
Recovery from Gum Graft Surgery
As with any type of oral surgery, bleeding and swelling afterwards is expected. But when it comes to gum grafting specifically, swelling usually plateaus by the third day. While every patient recovers at their own pace, swelling usually resolves completely by the tenth day.
Sleep somewhat inclined For the first 2 nights after the procedure, sleep in a recliner chair or with your head propped up with some pillows. A recliner is better. If you keep your head above your heart level for the first 2 days, it will significantly cut down on post-op swelling. Less swelling equals less pain.
In addition, patients will frequently complain of a bad smell and indicate their graft is “dead.” Because plasmatic circulation is important to graft survival, pooling of blood — sufficient to form a clot at the interface between host and graft tissues — will be detrimental to success.
Do not brush the graft site during the 1st week. Use a regular toothbrush in the non-surgical areas. Oral hygiene 7 days after surgery, gently brush using the extra-soft post-operative toothbrush only around the tooth/teeth where the graft was placed.
There is nothing scary about gum grafting
There is no need to be scared of getting a gum graft. An anesthetic is usually administered at the start of the treatment, so there is no pain involved. Most patients only deal with mild soreness and discomfort afterward.
The cost of gum grafting starts at $1200. There are other factors, like the severity, that may increase the cost. Remember, we have payment options available to suit your budget. Remember, your gums may recede over time so it's important to keep regular dental appointments so your dentist can keep track of this.
If you use your own tissue, the most teeth you can typically graft at once would probably be somewhere in the neighborhood of 7-8 teeth. With alloderm, you could graft every single tooth in your mouth in one sitting!
During your gum graft surgery, you'll probably be awake like most people, or perhaps opt to be sedated. Most patients do not require anything more than local anesthetics to numb the area. Once the area is numb you will only feel slight applied pressure but will not feel pain or sharpness.