When your gums recede, they begin to pull up from the roots of the teeth. This exposes the root surfaces, which are more likely to develop decay because they aren’t covered with enamel like the upper surfaces of the teeth. This process also makes the exposed areas more sensitive and prone to abrasion.
A gum graft may be necessary to reinforce the gum tissue, avoid further gum recession, and restore the cosmetic integrity of your gum line. This procedure is best done as soon as the weak area is identified. Fortunately, gum grafting is a simple surgery performed by Dr. Slepchik at our downtown Montréal office.
What Is A Gum Graft?
A gum graft is exactly like any other graft in the body, whether it is bone grafting to increase jawbone mass or skin grafting to heal a wound. In the gum graft procedure, the gum tissue is taken from the roof of the patient’s mouth or from the nearby healthy gum tissue. It is then attached to the area where the gums have receded. The procedure is simple, and recovery is not difficult.
Why Might I Need A Gum Graft?
Gum grafts are necessary to address receding gums. When your gums recede, this exposes more of the tooth root, which is normally covered by the gums. Because the roots are exposed, those teeth with gum recession will be more sensitive to hot and cold as well as sweet or spicy foods. Gum recession is frequently the result of gum disease, as the infected gums are forming pockets and pulling away from the teeth. It can also be due to overly aggressive tooth brushing or improper brushing techniques. In some cases, misaligned teeth contribute to the development of receding gums.
Would I Be A Good Candidate For Gum Grafting?
The problem of a receding gum line doesn’t happen overnight. It's a gradual and incremental change. Because of that, many patients don’t realize their gums are beginning to expose the root surface until the problem is advanced. That’s the purpose of measuring your gum length during your dental exams and teeth cleanings. It allows for early detection and treatment.
If you have gum recession, you may need a gum graft. But if the recession is caused by gum disease, we need to address that first. It is the periodontal disease that is causing your gums to recede. If this is mainly due to tartar buildup that is moving under the gum line, we'll use root scaling and root planing techniques to remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth and root surfaces. This will allow your gums to heal and tighten back down over the roots again.
How Is A Gum Graft Done With Dr. Slepchik?
This procedure is performed in our office using local anesthesia. Dr. Slepchik will likely perform your grafting procedure with a free gingival graft. Dr. Slepchik removes a small piece of gum tissue from the roof of your mouth and stitches it to the gumline to cover the exposed roots and restore volume to the gumline.
This is not a long dental appointment. Once Dr. Slepchik has sutured your graft into position, you’ll rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash. Then, he'll explain how you will care for your new gum graft.
How Do I Prepare For The Gum Grafting Procedure?
In addition to practicing excellent oral care that includes brushing and flossing, you may be prescribed an antibiotic to take prior to your surgery. This is necessary in some cases where there is an increased risk of infection. If you are a smoker, we recommend you quit in order to have optimal healing and prevent additional oral health issues in the future. Finally, you may be recommended to avoid certain medications and/or supplements that could increase your risk of bleeding during and after your procedure.
Recovery And Aftercare For The Graft Procedure
You will receive specific instructions to help you heal after your graft. We include how and when to resume brushing and flossing, how and when to rinse your mouth to reduce infection, and what to eat. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office for assistance.
Is A Graft Painful?
During your gum treatment procedure, you will be completely comfortable as you will be frozen as usual; we will not begin the procedure until you give us the okay that you are comfortable. The freezing will last for a few hours. You can begin taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). You may expect mild to moderate discomfort for a few days. The discomfort may be slightly noticeable but will not interfere with your ability to enjoy your normal day-to-day activities.
What Will Be My Diet After This Appointment?
Your graft needs time to heal. The best way to allow this is to stick to a soft-food diet. The ideal range of foods includes cold foods that are soft, like yogurt or ice cream. Examples include room-temperature scrambled eggs, soup, pudding, ice cream, yogurt, and smoothies. We suggest avoiding acidic foods and carbonated beverages for several days. After about three days of mostly liquids, you may add pasta, rice, and warm (but not hot) soups or cooked soft vegetables. We suggest you avoid chewing on the surgical side of your mouth until we see you for your follow-up appointment to check your healing.
How Soon Will I See The Results?
Your gums may be slightly red or swollen for one to two weeks after your graft. While you will see some difference in the appearance of your smile right away, your full results will become apparent three to four weeks after this dental appointment.
Is Gum Grafting Permanent?
Once the grafted gum tissue successfully takes to its new locations, these are permanent. As long as you follow a regimen of attentive home care, your gum grafts will be there for a long time.
Of course, this doesn’t guarantee that new gum problems cannot develop, but more attentive home care normally prevents that.
Are There Any Foods I Will Need To Avoid After Having A Gum Graft?
You cannot eat or drink anything for three hours after your surgery, moving to soft and/or liquid foods after that. Avoid chips, nuts, rice, popcorn, or foods that may get stuck in your teeth. Avoid hot foods, hot drinks, and food that requires active chewing while your mouth is still frozen. Protein/nutritional drinks are a good idea, as are smoothies and foods such as yogurt. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
What Are The Signs That I Could Benefit From Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting might be warranted if you notice your teeth appear longer than usual due to gum recession, or if your teeth have become particularly sensitive to temperature and touch. These symptoms suggest that the gum tissue has pulled back significantly, exposing the tooth roots, which can lead to further oral health complications if not addressed.
How Long Does The Gum Grafting Procedure Take?
Typically, a gum grafting procedure can be completed in about one to two hours. The exact time depends on how many teeth are involved and the complexity of the case. Dr. Slepchik will use this time to carefully place the new tissue to ensure successful integration with your existing gum tissue.
Are There Alternatives To Tissue From The Roof Of My Mouth For Grafts?
In most cases, it makes the most sense to use your own tissue from the roof of your mouth. However, if using tissue from the roof of your mouth is not viable, there are alternative sources. These may include using tissue from a tissue bank or synthetic materials. These alternatives are carefully treated to ensure safety and compatibility with your body, aiming to encourage natural gum regeneration. Talk to Dr. Slepchik to learn if these alternatives are available and make sense for your unique case.
Can Gum Grafting Improve The Aesthetics Of My Smile?
Gum grafting not only has functional benefits but also significantly enhances the aesthetics of your smile. By covering the exposed roots, gum grafting restores the natural proportions of your teeth and gums, giving you a healthier and more youthful smile.
How Soon Can I Return To Work After Undergoing Gum Grafting?
Most patients are able to return to non-strenuous work within a day or two following the procedure. However, it's crucial to avoid any activities that might elevate your blood pressure and impact the healing tissue, such as heavy lifting or vigorous exercise, for a short period. Dr. Slepchik’s office provides a timeline of when you can resume certain activities.
Will My Insurance Cover Gum Grafting?
Insurance coverage for gum grafting varies. Some plans cover a portion of the cost if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. It's essential to speak with both your dental office and insurance provider to understand your coverage details and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
How Do I Maintain My Gum Health After A Graft?
After a gum graft, maintaining optimal oral hygiene is crucial. This includes regular brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing gently, and possibly using special mouth rinses prescribed by your dentist. Regular dental check-ups are also vital to ensure the health of both the graft and your natural teeth.
How Long Will The Results Of A Gum Graft Last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, the results of a gum graft can be long-lasting. The success of the graft depends on several factors, including the severity of the recession prior to the procedure, the type of graft used, and your overall health.
Why Should I Choose Dr. Slepchik For Gum Grafting?
Dr. Slepchik is an experienced dentist who focuses on cosmetic and reconstructive procedures like gum grafting. His commitment to ongoing education ensures that he knows the latest techniques to achieve beautiful, healthy outcomes for your gums. Schedule a consultation to see for yourself why Dr. Slepchik is Downtown Montreal’s most revered dentist.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re interested in learning more about a graft, please contact us by calling (514) 875-7971 or emailing us at reception@smilesbydrslepchik.com to reserve your appointment. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine what is the most appropriate gum treatment for you.