Gum Graft in Queens, NY
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Gum Graft Surgery: Treating Gum Recession, Not Bone Loss
A gum graft is a periodontal procedure. It treats gum recession — when gum tissue around a tooth pulls back and exposes the root underneath. It’s easy to mix up with a bone graft, but the two treat different problems. A bone graft rebuilds jaw bone, often to prepare a site for a dental implant. A gum graft adds soft tissue to cover an exposed root. This stops recession from getting worse.
During the procedure, your dentist takes tissue from another area of your mouth. This is most often the roof of your mouth, called the palate. In many cases today, the tissue comes from processed donor tissue instead. This means you don’t need a second surgical site at all. That tissue is then attached over the area where your gums have receded. It covers the exposed root. This gives your gum line a more even, protected edge.
Gum recession has a few common causes. These include years of brushing too hard, gum disease, genetics, poorly fitting dentures or bridges that irritate the gums, or tobacco use. At CitiDental of Woodhaven, your family dentist first tries to slow or stop the cause. This might mean a cleaning, hygiene changes, or other non-surgical treatment. A gum graft is usually recommended when recession has gone too far to respond to those steps. It’s also recommended when an exposed root already causes sensitivity or a rising risk of decay.
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Gum Disease Is More Common Than You’d Think
Gum recession is often tied to periodontitis. This is a serious form of gum disease that starts out as gingivitis — inflamed gums that bleed easily. Gingivitis on its own is common. It’s usually reversible with better daily hygiene and routine cleanings from your family dentist. Left untreated, though, it can turn into periodontitis. Then the gums pull away from the tooth, supporting bone can be lost, and teeth can loosen.
According to the American Dental Association, roughly 42% of dentate U.S. adults age 30 and older have some degree of periodontitis. This is based on national health survey data. The rate climbs a lot with age. That’s a big reason routine periodontal checks matter, even if your gums feel fine day to day.
Symptoms and Risk Factors to Watch For
Watch for changes that could signal gum disease starting or getting worse: extreme sensitivity to hot and cold, teeth that feel loose, gums that bleed when you brush, pain while chewing, or bad breath that won’t go away. Common risk factors that raise your chances of needing a gum graft later include:
Non-Surgical Treatment Usually Comes First
A gum graft isn’t the first line of treatment. Your dentist will usually adjust your daily hygiene routine first. They may recommend a deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and tartar from under and around your gums. They may also prescribe antibiotics if there’s an active infection. Surgery is usually saved for cases where recession is already significant, or hasn’t responded to these gentler steps.
What Happens During Gum Graft Surgery
Your periodontist may use a few different techniques. It depends on how much tissue is needed, and where. A connective-tissue graft is the most common approach. This uses tissue taken from just under the surface of your palate. A free gingival graft takes tissue directly from the surface of the palate instead. This is often used when more tissue thickness is needed. In some cases, processed donor tissue is used instead. Then no second surgical site is needed at all.
A local anesthetic is usually enough to keep you comfortable. CitiDental of Woodhaven also offers sedation dentistry for patients who are especially anxious or have sensitive gums. No special preparation is needed beforehand. You’ll be numbed. Then the graft tissue is positioned over the receded area and sutured into place.
Recovery After a Gum Graft
Mild discomfort after surgery is normal. Your dentist can prescribe pain medication for the first few days. They’ll also tell you which over-the-counter options are safe in the meantime. Plan on a temporary switch to a softer diet. You’ll also use a specific mouthwash while the graft site heals. Sticking to that routine matters. It gives the graft the best chance of taking hold and keeping recession from coming back.
Complications are uncommon. But our team follows up closely to confirm you’re healing as expected. Let us know right away if anything looks or feels abnormal. Contact CitiDental of Woodhaven if you’ve noticed gum recession and want it checked before it gets worse.
718-865-8111