What Is a Gum Graft?

The main problem with gum recession or receding gums is that it exposes your sensitive tooth roots. This could result in your teeth’s root surface to be more susceptible to decay and abrasion. If you have receding gums, your dentist Dr. Neal Pylant of F. Neal Pylant, DMD, PC here in Athens, GA, might recommend a gum graft, likewise called a gingival graft.

How is a Gum Graft Performed?

Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, your dentist may recommend one of these gum graft types:

  • Free Gum Graft: This entails the removal of a tiny tissue piece from the mouth roof and stitching the tissue to the areas requiring gum tissue. Your dentist will probably recommend this gum graft type if you have thin gums that require additional tissue to avoid further recession.
  • Pedicle Gum Graft: This procedure involves the creation of a tissue flap from a portion adjacent to the receding gum. This flap will be used for covering the gum tissues that have receded. This gum graft type has the highest success rate since it does not impede blood flow to any area in the mouth. Dentists typically recommend this for people who have ample gum tissue near the areas of the receding gum tissue.
  • Connective Tissue Graft: This gum graft procedure involves opening a tiny flap in the mouth roof and removing some connective tissue from underneath the tissue’s top layer. This tissue will then be stitched to the gum recession site

Once your dentist in Athens, GA, is done stitching up the gum graft, your mouth will be rinsed with an antibacterial mouthwash. You’ll then discuss aftercare procedures that you should observe for the safe and proper healing of your gum graft.

What’s Next?

In most cases, a gum graft will be completely healed in a week or two, while the entire graft area, might take a month or so. Take note that recovery varies from person to person and usually differ based on the person’s aftercare efforts and overall health. You will need to go back to your dentist after one or two weeks so that your dentist can check the condition of your gum graft. After two weeks, you may be able to go about your normal oral hygiene without damaging your gum graft.

Interested in a Gum Graft? Contact Us

Dial (706) 543-0026 to arrange an assessment here at Neal Pylant, DMD, PC in Athens, GA, with your dentist, Dr. Neal Pylant, today.

Contact Us

F. Neal Pylant, D.M.D., P.C.

Scott Lowry, D.M.D.

706-543-0026

375 Hawthorne Lane Athens, GA 30606-2153