What is gum grafting?
Gum grafting is a type of dental surgery to add tissue around the roots of your teeth. During gum graft surgery, Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart removes a sample of tissue from the roof of your mouth or another more substantial area of your gums.
Once they obtain the tissue sample, they reattach it to an area where your gums receded to cover the exposed roots of your teeth. There are three different types of gum grafts, and Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart can help you determine which best fits your needs:
Free gingival graft
A free gingival graft uses a tissue sample from the roof of your mouth. They might recommend this if your gums are particularly thin or weak.
Connective tissue graft
A connective tissue graft is the most common type and comes from a layer of tissue beneath the surface layer on the roof of your mouth. Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart makes a flap on the palate and removes the connective tissue graft; the flap is then replaced. The graft is sutured to the recipient site.
Pedicle graft
A pedicle graft uses tissue near where the graft will be placed. Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart makes a small incision in your gum tissue adjacent to the area with gum recession. Then they lift the gum and rotate it to cover your exposed root.
What does gum grafting treat?
Gum grafting is a surgical treatment for gum recession, which is often a symptom of periodontal disease. You can tell you have gum recession if your teeth seem to appear longer than usual. Your teeth aren’t actually getting longer, your gum line and jawbone underneath is migrating and exposing more of your teeth and their roots.
Gum grafting surgery can protect the roots of your teeth from decay and disease. It can also ease tooth sensitivity resulting from exposed roots. Cosmetic purposes is another reason for gum grafting surgery, especially if you’re unhappy with the way gum recession makes your smile look or if you have naturally long teeth.
How should I prepare for gum grafting?
You don’t need to do much to prepare for gum grafting. The surgery is quite minor, and you can go home after the appointment.
You won’t need to fast or avoid certain foods before the procedure. Simply attend a consultation, so Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart can examine your mouth and plan the treatment. All you need to do is show up on the day of your surgery, ready to go.
To speed up the healing process after the surgery, follow Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart's recovery instructions carefully.
If you’d like to learn more about gum grafting and find out if you’re a good candidate for the procedure, book a consultation at the office of Dr. James Jacobs & Dr. Tara Bogart by phone or online today.
