What is Gum Grafting?
Has your dentist informed you about receding gums? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Gum recession is a common issue that affects many adults and can be effectively addressed with proper care and treatment.
Receding gums, often caused by periodontitis, occur when gum tissue gradually pulls back from the teeth. If untreated, this condition can progress to expose the tooth roots, significantly increasing the risk of tooth loss.
Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that replaces receding gum tissue with tissue from another part of the mouth. Despite initial concerns, many patients find the process straightforward and painless.
The Benefits of Gum Grafting
Rebuilding gum tissue offers numerous advantages for patients experiencing gum recession, such as:
Improved Smile
Gum recession can make teeth look long and uneven. A gum graft restores symmetry and enhances the natural appearance of your smile.
Protects Teeth From Decay
Exposed tooth roots from gum recession heighten the risk of decay. Gum grafting covers these areas, preventing plaque buildup and protecting tooth health.
Reduced Tooth Sensitivity
Exposed teeth become more sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. Gum grafting restores gum tissue, helping to prevent discomfort and sensitivity.
The Gum Grafting Process
Gum grafting is a quick procedure with minimal preparation. It begins with a consultation at our Wellesley office, where your doctor will assess the severity of your gum recession and explain the procedure. After that, you’ll simply schedule your treatment.
Applying the Anesthetic
Before the procedure begins, your doctor will administer a local anesthetic to the treatment area. This ensures your mouth is fully numbed, eliminating any pain or discomfort during the process.
Removing the Tissue
With your mouth numbed, the doctor will carefully remove a small section of tissue, typically from the roof of your mouth beneath the outer layer, to use for grafting onto your gums.
Grafting the Tissue to the gums
The donor tissue is carefully stitched over the exposed tooth root. As it heals, the graft integrates with your existing gum tissue, restoring a natural look and improving periodontal health.
Aftercare
Although gum grafting is painless, you may feel some discomfort as the anesthetic wears off. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to help manage this and support a smooth recovery. During the 1–2 week healing period, stick to soft, cold foods and avoid brushing or flossing the grafted area. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress.
The Cost of Gum Grafting in Wellesley
The cost of gum grafting varies based on factors like:
- The type of graft needed
- The number of teeth that require grafting
- Whether or not you have insurance coverage
The good news is that gum grafts are often considered preventative care, so many insurance providers may cover the cost. If you don’t have dental insurance, you can expect to pay between $600 and $1200 per tooth.
It’s important to note that an accurate cost for your gum graft can’t be provided online or over the phone. The best way to get a precise estimate is to call our Wellesley dental office to schedule a consultation or conveniently book an appointment online today.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
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We understand how difficult it can be to cope with sleep apnea and strive to offer you compassionate care. If you have any reason to feel dissatisfied with our customer service during this trying time, please let us know. We would love to have to opportunity to resolve any issues or problems you may have.Frequently Asked Questions
Gum grafting procedures are nearly painless due to local anesthesia. Once the anesthetic wears off, you may experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to help ease any discomfort during the recovery process.
With proper care and consistent oral hygiene, gum grafts can last a lifetime. The grafted tissue blends seamlessly with the surrounding gums, forming a permanent bond.
The recovery period usually lasts between 1 to 2 weeks. While complications are rare, if you experience any signs of infection or if the graft loosens, contact your doctor immediately for assistance.
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