Gum graft
What is a gum graft?
A gum graft involves extracting soft tissue from the patient’s own body (usually from the palate) to insert it into an area with receding gums. That is, the graft is used to cover a part of the tooth that has lost gingival tissue.
When the patient has receding gums, it is essential to address a gum graft. This is because the gum serves to protect the dental root, the most sensitive area of the tooth. If the patient loses gingival tissue and the root is exposed, they will experience great sensitivity and discomfort to cold, hot, acidic or sweet drinks and foods.
What are the benefits of a gum graft?
- Recovers lost gum and protects teeth against external aggressions.
- Reduces tooth sensitivity
- Improves the appearance of the smile, because if the root is exposed the teeth look too long
- Improves the prognosis of patients who need dental implants, as it protects them and helps them last longer
Is gum grafting painful?
Many people feel some apprehension towards gum grafting. However, contrary to what it may seem, it is a minimally invasive surgery with a very quick recovery.
During the intervention, the gum graft does not hurt, since the patient is under the effects of local anesthesia.
Once the procedure is finished, the surgeon will prescribe anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication to the patient. This will minimize possible pain and discomfort. And, therefore, it will make the postoperative period very bearable.
In fact, the sensation that patients usually describe is that of feeling the area hot or burned, as when eating food at a very high temperature.
How much does a gum graft cost?
In Spain, the price of a gum graft ranges between 200 and 400 euros approximately. As with other dental procedures, this price varies depending on each dental clinic.
And, of course, it also depends on the technique used to perform the graft. For example, the free gum graft has a more economical price than the connective tissue graft. In any case, it should be the dentist who determines which is the most appropriate technique for each patient.
Why perform the graft treatment of gum at Abaden?
1 – Clinical session: we perform a complete diagnosis involving doctors, dentists of various specialties and dental technicians.
2 -Dental sedation: we have a permanent team of anesthetists. This allows us to offer patients who wish to have gum grafting under sedation, any day of the week they choose. With this, people who feel fear or nervousness before surgery will be much more relaxed.
3 – Experience and training: the surgeons who perform the gum graft are specialized in this treatment and have a lot of experience in it. In addition, they have a Master’s Degree in Periodontal Surgery and Implants, which guarantees a high level of training.
Procedure
1. Case study
2. Surgery
The surgery is simple and minimally invasive. It consists of taking a piece of gum from another area of the mouth where there is excess and placing it in the area that needs it. Stitches are placed to close the wound and protect the area.
3. Definitive treatment
Once the graft has adapted correctly in the placed area, the planned treatment can be carried out, for example placing dental implants. In some cases, the treatment is prior to the placement of the graft.
4. Revisions
It is very important, not only in connective tissue grafts but in all dental treatments, that you attend the check-ups to see the evolution and control that everything works correctly.
Clinical cases
Frequently asked questions
Why do gums recede?
Gum recession can be due to very diverse causes. Here are the most common:
- Periodontal disease: periodontitis or pyorrhea is a pathology caused by the presence of bacteria in the mouth. If left untreated, these bacteria attack and destroy the tissues surrounding the tooth, such as the gums.
- Aggressive brushing: some people exert excessive force when brushing their teeth, which causes the gums to recede.
- Poorly planned orthodontic treatment: if the biological limit of the dental arch is not respected when planning the movements of the teeth, gum recession can also be caused. In addition, the situation can be aggravated if orthodontic treatment is performed in patients with periodontitis.
- Bruxism: the habit of clenching or grinding the teeth subjects the gums to a force for which they are not prepared, so they end up receding.
- Trauma: a strong blow can also cause the teeth and gums to suffer changes and displacements.
Do receding gums regenerate?
No, that is the main reason why it is necessary to perform a gum graft. The lost gingival tissue does not recover spontaneously. And, therefore, it is essential to carry out surgery.
What can I eat after a gum graft?
After the gum graft you should eat soft and cold foods. For example: creams, pasta, eggs, fish, cooked vegetables or yogurts.
The most common thing is to follow this soft and cold diet during the day or the two days following the surgery. However, the most recommended thing is to adapt this time to the sensations that the patient has when eating.
How long does it take to recover from a gum graft?
The gum graft takes an average of between 7 and 15 days to heal. During this period, the surgeon plans a check-up to check the evolution of the postoperative period, as well as to determine when to remove the sutures from the patient.
Approximately, one month after the intervention it can be considered that the tissue has been completely integrated, and that it works in the same way as the patient’s natural gum.
What are the main causes of a failed gum graft?
The gum graft is a very simple treatment. However, like any other dental procedure, it is not exempt from complications, especially if the proper care is not followed.
The main causes of gum graft failure are tobacco or trauma. In order not to experience a failed graft, it is essential not to smoke during the postoperative period, as well as to reduce the risk of blows or trauma. The latter includes avoiding the practice of any contact sport and taking extreme precautions during brushing to avoid causing a wound that compromises recovery.
Financing
In our clinics we offer flexible, comfortable and adapted financing solutions to your budget, to help you get the dental treatment you need.
- Financing: Up to 12 months without interest. Up to 60 months with preferential conditions.
- Payment splitting: pay monthly in comfortable installments for the treatment.
- We facilitate a discount for prompt payment paying the entire treatment at the beginning.
- Multiple payment options: direct debit, credit card, cash, transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Bizum.
Our clinics are located in Catalonia
(opening hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday)
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