Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery • Dr. Raymond J. Haigney II • 9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 • (704) 987-3132
9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 • (704) 987-3132
Repair Recession with Gum Grafting
Gum Grafting is a procedure that is commonly performed for patients who feel self-conscious about their gum lines being uneven or receding. Uneven gums or gum recession can be caused by a variety of factors, such as trauma, periodontal disease, birth defects, and/or age. When gums begin to recede, the tooth roots become exposed, which can cause the gums to look uneven and unattractive. A gum graft is a common oral procedure that can not only improve the aesthetic appearance of the gums, but also reduce the likelihood of issues related to uneven and/or receded gums from developing.
At Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery, we offer a full range of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, specializing in facial reconstruction, TMJ surgery, dental implants, facial cosmetic surgery, corrective jaw surgery, obstructive sleep apnea, and wisdom tooth removal. If you would like to learn more about our services, or schedule an appointment for All-on-Four, contact us today. New patients are welcome and a referral from another doctor is not required.
The Gum Grafting Process
Prior to beginning your procedure, you will need to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled professionals, during which we will discuss what issues you would like to address. Following this conversation, an evaluation will be performed to determine what options are available to you and which approach best aligns with your specific goals.
If it is determined that gum grafting is the best approach for you, the surgical approach will be determined by the severity of your particular case. For patients who only require gum grafting for one to two teeth, the graft will typically be taken from the pallet (roof of the mouth) and placed over the area where the gum is receding. If the graft covers a larger area and there are three teeth or more that require a gum graft, the graft will most typically be taken from a human cadaver.
Regardless of which type of grafting material is used, the graft will be sutured into place. Once it is properly positioned, your mouth will be washed out with antibacterial mouthwash and your surgery will be complete.
Caring for Gum Grafting
One of the most important steps patients can take following their gum graft is to eat a healthy diet and regularly take vitamins and supplements that help promote the density of the developing gums and bones. This is particularly important for patients who are older and have osteoporosis, or patients who have issues such as colitis, Crohn’s disease, and/or irritable bowel syndrome.
It is also important to carefully follow the postoperative instructions provided to you, which may include avoiding brushing and flossing while your mouth heals or making accommodations and alterations to your brushing and flossing technique. It is also typically recommended that patients stick to a soft food diet for the first two weeks to avoid irritating or damaging the graft.
Once you have completed the healing process, the best way to continue enjoying the benefits of your gum graft is to practice good oral health habits every day. By maintaining these regular self-care habits, you will reduce the likelihood of developing additional issues in the future and enjoy the benefits of your procedure for many years to come.
- Brushing: The best way to remove plague, prevent decay, and preserve the longevity of your procedure is to brush and clean your teeth at least twice daily. To achieve maximum results, be sure your toothbrush is the appropriate size and shape to fit your mouth and allows you to reach all areas of the mouth easily.
- Flossing: Patients who floss regularly significantly reduce the likelihood of developing periodontal disease. For patients who have an aversion to flossing, interdental cleaners may be a better alternative.
- Additional Supports: In addition to brushing and flossing every day, patients who regularly use mouthwash, avoid sweetened beverages and/or use a straw while drinking sweetened beverages, and who swish their mouth with water following every meal enjoy improved oral health and reduce the chance of developing tooth decay.
- Regular Dental Checkups: While practicing good self-care at home is critical, it is also important to schedule regular dental exams every six months. In doing so, your dentist can perform deep cleanings and address issues before they develop into something worse.
Common Types of Gum Grafting
- Acellular Dermal Matrix Allograft: Procedure that uses medically processed human tissue that has been donated for the graft. Because the patient does not need to provide their own tissue, this approach is less painful.
- Free Gingival Graft: Typically performed to thicken gum tissue by removing tissue from the palate and placing this tissue where the gum recession is occurring. There is some discomfort and recovery time associated with this procedure, but this is generally relatively quick.
- Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft: Typically performed to cover exposed roots by removing tissue from the palate’s outer layer and placing this tissue where the gum recession is occurring.
Cost of Gum Grafting
The cost of a gum graft will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the severity of your condition, any unique oral or health issues you have that may complicate the procedure, and what type of dental insurance plan you have. Our office will file your claim, handle the paperwork, and ensure you maximize your insurance reimbursement. The remaining balance following your insurance coverage will be your responsibility.
Prior to performing a gum graft, we will discuss the expected cost, as well as payment plan options that are available to you, such as Lending Club and Care Credit, which offer 6 and 12 month interest-free payment plans.
For your convenience, we accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
Schedule Your Appointment
At Lake Norman Oral and Facial Surgery, we are committed to treating our patients the way we would expect to be treated. Because Dr. Haigney is a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Fellowship Trained in Facial Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, you can be confident you will receive care that implements the latest dental advancements and is informed by current research and best practices, resulting in you achieving the results you deserve.
To schedule a Gum Grafting appointment or consultation, contact our staff at (704) 255-5888 or request an appointment online.