Gum Graft

Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is a surgical process also known as gingival grafting in which the gum grafting material is augmented to restore normal gum level. Gum grafting surgery is performed in gum recession condition, in which gum tissue recedes from the normal gum line and exposes tooth roots. Gum recession can cause teeth sensitivity and affect the aesthetic smile line.

In the Dental Care Centre our London’s expert periodontist, comfortable and efficiently performs gum grafting surgery and protects tooth roots from decay, treats teeth sensitivity, and helps restore an aesthetically appealing smile.

Different types of gum grafting surgery

In gum grafting surgery, our expert periodontist takes gum from the other side of the oral cavity, surgically places it with overexposed roots, and fixes the gum with the help of sutures. In gum grafting surgery an excellent quantity of tissue is used with good blood supply so it rapidly heals after placing over exposed gum. The common side from where grafting tissue can be used:

• Connective tissue grafting – It is the common gum grafting technique in which palate (roof of mouth) connective tissue is used as grafting material to cover exposed tooth roots. From the palate or roof of the mouth, a small flap is removed and sutured at the gum grafting needed site. The palatal connective tissue is thick and easy to remove, this technique provides effective results due to rich blood supply and rapid healing.
• Free gingival graft – In this technique, our dental specialist used thin and small-sized palatal tissue to cover mild gum recession. It is used in mild to moderate gum recession to cover the exposed gum and prevent future recession.
• Lateral or pedicle gum grafting – In lateral gum grafting, surrounding gum tissue is used, adjacent to the gum recession area. The local healthy gum tissue is moved to cover the exposed root of the tooth This technique is most effective and comfortable.
• Allograft – In the Allograft technique, connective tissue from other donors is used to cover the exposed root and receding gum. Alloderm is a grafting material that is commonly used, in which the skin’s dermis layer from another donor is used to restore normal gum growth. This technique is used in autografting failure conditions such as allergic reactions or infections.

The factors that affect the success of gum grafting

• Quality of grafting tissue. The success of gum grafting mostly depends upon the grafting tissue material. In autografting, graft material is used from the patient’s own body, which is the most successful grating technique, and palate tissue is a healthy donor site for gum grafting.
• Blood supply: A rich blood supply can accelerate the healing process of gum grafting treatment.
• Graft stability: Using the proper suturing technique is important for better stability and integration of grafting gum to adjacent tissue.
• Healthy healing environment: Properly maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding smoking is crucial for rapid healing gum grafting treatment.

Treatment plan for Gum Grafting

Initial assessment

In the Dental Care Centre, our expert periodontist carefully diagnoses conditions to find the underlying cause of gum recession such as teeth malalignment, hormonal problems, aggressive brushing, and genetic factors. Proper assessment of the extent of gum recession, surrounding gum tissue, overall dental health, and complete dental and medical history such as diabetes and hypertension. Evaluate the severity of the condition by testing teeth sensitivity and estimating gingival length to restore aesthetic concern.

Consultation

Our expert periodontist discusses the gum condition,  availability of various gum grafting materials with the patient, explains in detail the best-fit technique according to their condition, and clears any concerns about the treatment.

Treatment plan development

After evaluating all the conditions and carefully estimating gum recession, our expert dental specialist makes a personalised treatment plan and selects a grafting donor tissue that is used to cover the exposed root and make an aesthetic smile line. Palate connective tissue and adjacent gingival tissue are commonly used in gum grafting surgery according to individual dental needs. Sometimes additional treatments are also required such as restoration of root decay and root planning for healthy and prolonged gum attachment.

Gum grafting surgery

After completing all pre-operative preparation, our expert periodontist gives local anesthesia to the graft donor side and grafting material placement site, for pain-free and effective surgery. After anesthesia, our expert specialist starts the procedure, efficiently removing graft tissue from the donor side by using innovative technology and skilled fully placing it to cover gum recession. After stable placement of grafting tissue, our dental specialist secures the graft with the help of a suture for proper integration of grafted tissues to surrounding tissue.

Post-operative care

After successful placement of grafted tissues, our dental specialist prescribes painkillers and antibiotics to control pain and infection and gives necessary instructions such as taking a soft diet, maintaining good oral hygiene with gentle and soft brushing, regular uses of antibiotics, mouth washes, avoiding smoking for rapid healing, and successfully attachment of gums. The healing period takes around 2 to 4 weeks for complete healing and attachment of grafted gum with tooth and integration into surrounding gum. Regular dental visits are necessary for proper monitoring of gum condition.