Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Gum Tissue Grafting

Patients can have many questions regarding dental gum tissue grafting. If you are looking for answers before the treatment, this article will help answer the most common ones. If you have any other questions or concerns regarding dental gum tissue grafting, we recommend you call us at Westwood Dental Group. We offer gum grafting surgery in Westwood, MA.

What is dental soft tissue grafting?

It is a dental procedure to enhance the tissues surrounding the teeth or dental implants. It enhances comfort, improves teeth’ visual appeal, and boosts oral health. The tissue used for grafting comes from a donor extracted from the roof of the mouth of the bordering gum tissue.

• Is gum tissue grafting painful?

Gum tissue grafting can be more painful if the dentist is removing the tissue used in grafting from the roof of your mouth. If no tissues are removed, and local anesthetics are used, the procedure will be virtually painless with only slight discomfort afterward. The pain level will also depend on the type of grafting you receive.

• Gingival grafting – involves resecting mucosa and repositioning it away from the affected teeth. A very small amount of tissue extracted from the roof of your mouth is transplanted to the area. Suturing on the affected regions is performed to minimize discomfort.
• Connective grafting – involves tissue on affected teeth that is reflected away from the teeth. A very small tissue is then transplanted into the area. The procedure is more comfortable for patients since no section of the roof of your mouth is left exposed.
• Are you awake during gum graft surgery?

Depending on the anesthesia option, you can be asleep or partially awake. The dentist gives you anesthesia to numb the area before surgery.

• How long do stitches remain after a gum graft surgery?

The stitches used for gum graft surgery are usually dissolvable. They will dissolve in 4 – 7 days after the surgery. If a liquid band-aid is used, it will chip away after 1 – 2 weeks.

• How long does a gum graft take to heal fully?

Healing after a gum graft usually takes between 1 – 2 months. Blood vessels form in the grafted tissue and aid in wide circulation in the new tissue. However, the wound should be stable for healing to occur within this period, a process called vascularization.

• Do gum grafts look natural?

Yes, the gum grafts will look natural after healing fully, and people will hardly notice. The implanted tissues are extracted from mouth tissues and thus have a huge similarity.

• Is a soft tissue graft necessary?

Yes, it is necessary because it fixes gum recession. When gums recede, they expose the very sensitive roots. Exposed roots induce severe pain when exposed to cold or hot substances. Also, receded gums provide conducive room for bacterial build-up, which may penetrate the roots and travel to the jawbone. It may lead to the teeth falling out and, if not contained, cause periodontitis.

• Is gum graft surgery worth it?

Having a valid reason to perform a gum graft surgery is worth it. Gum grafting is effective in stopping gum recession and also improves the appearance of your gums. If you want to enhance your oral health, it is necessary and worth every penny you spend on it.

• When can I brush my teeth following a gum graft?

After 24 hours, you can comfortably brush your teeth. Furthermore, your dentist will give you the do’s and the don’ts after the grafting procedure, such as not using a toothbrush with tough bristles. If you heed the dentist’s instructions, you will experience rapid recovery without complications.

• Is there an alternative to gum grafting?

Gum grafting is a minimally invasive procedure that corrects gum recession. You should contact your local dentist to guide you through alternative gum grafting treatments. You can receive Dental Bone Grafting in Westwood, MA, to solve several dental issues.