Gum Grafting

Gum grafting can prevent additional damage and improve your oral health if you have thin or receding gums. At Contemporary Dental Care of Mt. Vernon in Mount Vernon, Ohio, dentists Chris Martin, DDS, Judy Peng, DDS, and the team use gum grafting to cover exposed tooth roots and stop gum disease in its tracks. Call the office today to request a gum grafting consultation or book online.

What is gum grafting?

Gum grafting is a type of oral surgery. During treatment, your dentist removes a healthy piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth and grafts it over an area of receding gum tissue. Replacing the lost tissue around your teeth reduces the risk of more serious oral health problems, such as tooth and bone loss.

Who can benefit from gum grafting?

You may be a candidate for gum grafting if you develop any symptoms of gum recession, including:

• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Increased sensitivity to temperature changes (i.e., hot and cold foods or drinks)
• Red, swollen gums
• Gums that bleed easily

You might also benefit from gum grafting if you notice that your teeth appear longer than they used to.

What does gum grafting involve?

At Contemporary Dental Care of Mt. Vernon, the providers perform gum grafting surgery on an outpatient basis. 

First, your surgeon administers a local anesthetic, numbing your teeth and gums. After the anesthesia sets in, your surgeon carefully cleans your tooth roots and creates a flap in your gums. 

Next, your surgeon makes a small incision in the roof of your mouth and removes a piece of the inner tissue. Then, they stretch the tissue over your exposed tooth roots and tighten it with sutures. 

At the end of the procedure, your surgeon closes and checks your gum line and moves you to a recovery room for observation. 

What is recovery like after gum grafting?

After gum grafting, it’s normal to experience some swelling, bleeding, and discomfort. Take it easy for at least 24 hours and avoid strenuous activities like work and exercise. Follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions, take all your medications as prescribed, and keep the surgical site clean with antibacterial mouthwash.

You might need to eat soft foods for a week or more, depending on the size of your gum graft. Continue brushing and flossing, but avoid the gum graft until your Contemporary Dental Care of Mt. Vernon surgeon says it’s OK.

Call Contemporary Dental Care of Mt. Vernon to see if you can benefit from gum grafting today, or book online.

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