Soft Tissue Grafting
Getting to the Root of Soft Tissue Grafting
So, what is Soft Tissue, or Gum Grafting, exactly? Well, when the roots of your teeth become exposed, soft tissue grafting aims to cover and protect the exposed root and help strengthen the remaining gum tissue to prevent further exposure and lower the chances of any tooth decay or bone loss.
Receding Gums are a Sign
Receding gums can be a symptom of severe gum disease, but it can also be something you genetically develop. Your dentist may recommend a gum grafting at the first sign of gum recession.
You’ll be referred to a periodontist for further examination. Depending on the severity of your recession, they may either choose to monitor its progression or advise you to go ahead with the gum graft surgery immediately.
What are the Steps?
Once it’s determined that you’ll need gum graft surgery, your periodontist will decide what steps and materials will be needed. They may decide to use tissue from the roof of your mouth for the grafting or tissue from a licensed bone and tissue bank.
The number of teeth you’re experiencing the recession with will determine the length of the procedure. On average, one gum graft can take up to an hour. During the procedure:
- You’ll be given local anesthesia to numb the gums and teeth in the area where you’re getting the graft.
- Once the numbing takes effect, a small cut will be made in the gum, creating an opening.
- If the surgeon has decided to use tissue from your palate, they will then take a tiny piece of inner tissue from the roof of your mouth; this will be used for the grafting. The outer layer is not cut, and the incision will be closed with sutures or periodontal dressing.
- Next, your periodontist will place the tissue over your exposed tooth roots.
- Once they have the tissue properly in place, they will stitch it either with stitches that will dissolve naturally, or you may need an appointment later to remove them.
What to Expect Post-Surgery
The first day after your procedure, there will be some bleeding and discomfort in your gums, and you will likely be prescribed pain medication for any severe discomfort. A few more things to expect:
- During the first day post-surgery, be sure to eat soft, cold foods like yogurt or pudding.
- The bleeding should stop within 24-48 hours of the procedure.
- The swelling should last no more than three to four days, and there may be some bruising.
- All side effects should begin to fade within two weeks of your grafting.
- After the two-week period, you should still clear any hard or crunchy food.
The Procedure is Painless
Aside from the normal side effects that follow the procedure, the surgery is painless thanks to the local anesthesia. There will be discomfort afterward, like any dental procedure, but you shouldn’t worry about extreme pain.
It Could Cost in the Thousands
Depending on everything required for your grafting procedure, you can expect it to cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. If you end up using donor tissue for the graft, this will raise the overall cost.
Once you have a plan in place with your periodontist, you’ll get a clearer picture of what it will end up costing.
Success Rates of Tissue Grafts
With gum grafting, you can expect a high success rate of around 90%. This is by far the best method for treating gum recession.
If you choose to leave your gum recession, it could lead to:
- Cavities
- Severe Gum Disease
- Tooth Mobility
- Eventual Tooth Loss
You Can Graft 7-8 Teeth at Once
If your periodontist opts to use your own tissue, you can graft up to eight teeth in one procedure, whereas if they choose to use donor tissue, there is no cap on the number of teeth you can have done in the procedure.
Can Receded Gums Grow Back Naturally?
Simply, no, it cannot. If your gums are damaged from recession or gum disease, they will not grow back on their own. This is why your dentist will strongly advise getting a gum graft done to help repair the damage.
Your Gums Will Absorb the Tissue Graft
While your gums heal from the grafting procedure, they absorb the grafting tissue. New tissue will grow around where the graft was placed, while strengthening your gums.
Your periodontist will schedule a checkup about a week after your procedure to ensure everything is in good shape. Routine appointments will follow this.
Top 5 Benefits of Soft Tissue Grafting
Gum grafting will be recommended when it is most necessary. Here are the top 5 benefits:
- Stops gum disease from progressing.
- Covers painful exposed roots.
- It will improve aesthetics.
- Tooth and nerve sensitivity will be reduced.
- Thin gum tissue will be strengthened.
There are a Few Potential Complications
There are always a few potential complications to consider with any dental procedure. A few that could arise from your soft tissue grafting:
- Infection
- Some excessive bleeding
- Gum graft rejection
There is a chance that your gum graft will fail. If you notice any patches of white tissues coming off your tooth, the graft has lost blood supply. Call your periodontist immediately if you see this or any pus at the graft site or notice a fever.
If you feel like you may have gum recession or need a soft tissue graft, reach out to your dentist today. The Edmonton team at ThirtyTwo Dental are experts in these procedures and can help you discover the best option.
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