Worried about receding gums? We can help with your concerns.
Untreated gum recession could eventually lead to the loss of teeth. We can help restore your gums with a gum graft.
Many people do not realise their gums are receding. This can occur when the gum tissue wears away exposing the tooth at the root. You may notice signs of increased sensitivity and visually notice signs of teeth becoming more exposed.
Gum recession is generally a slow process but if you do not treat it, you may find you have greater problems with your teeth in the future.
A gum graft, also known as a gingival graft, is a quick and relatively simple surgery where your dentist will use healthy gum tissue from the roof of your mouth and build the affected receding area back up.
For more information regarding this treatment give us a call, 020 4541 1150 and we will be more than happy to assist you in any way.
There are a number of gum grafts available, your dentist will recommend the best treatment for your personal circumstances.
Your dentist will first numb the area with a local anesthetic. They will either take tissue from under the top layer of your mouth by making a flap (a Connective Tissue Graft), or take it directly from the top layer of tissue on the roof of your mouth (a Free Gingival Graft). The removed tissue will be stitched over the existing gum tissue to cover the exposed route.
If you have lots of gum tissue on the surrounding area, your dentist may do a Pedicle (Lateral) Graft, where they take tissue from the gum area near the tooth, partially cut the tissue leaving one edge attached, and stretch the tissue over the exposed root stitching it in place.
Over-the-counter pain medications may be sufficient after a procedure, but the surgeon will issue a prescription if something stronger is needed. Discuss how and when any medications should be used to avoid complications.
Typical healing process can take about 1-2 weeks, depending on the type of gum surgery performed. Your oral surgeon will also provide post-op instructions and care alternatives to help the healing process.
Gum grafting has both aesthetic and oral health benefits. A gum graft will:
• Reinforce the gum tissue around the tooth making it stronger and more stable.
• The treatment will protect the area from future recession.
• By covering the roots you decrease the side effects of recession such as sensitivity.
• If the recession has occurred in your smile zone, a graft will help the appearance of your smile.
• Gum grafting has a high success rate and can offer lifelong solutions when looked after correctly.
Your gum graft should take 1-2 weeks to heal fully. You can take over the counter medicine to help with discomfort during this time.
To help with the healing you should do the following during the recovery time:
• Avoid flossing or brushing the treated area.
• Use a special mouthwash which controls plaque build up.
• You may be recommended antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
• Avoid strenuous exercise.
• Avoid foods that are hard to eat, such as apples.
• Eat soft, cool foods, for example, ice cream, pasta, eggs, yogurt, and soft cheese.
• Avoiding smoking.
Following a gum graft you will notice your gums look healthier and the exposed tooth will no longer be visible.
You may not have even considered the effects of gum recession but may be conscious of the appearance of your gums. Gum grafting can give you back that fabulous smile as well as benefiting the health of your teeth.
Read MoreWhen it comes to gum surgery cost, your dentist will be able to establish if a gum graft is the best treatment choice for your teeth and the type of gum graft needed for your needs.
This is where an incision is made into the roof of the mouth to create a flap and tissue taken from underneath the top layer. This flap is stitched back up, and the removed tissue stitched over the exposed route of the gum.
Book ConsultationThis is when the tissue is taken from the top layer of the roof of the mouth and stitched over the exposed route of the gum.
Book ConsultationThis is when there is enough tissue on the gum surrounding the exposed area to cut into the gum, leaving one edge attached, and stretching the tissue over the exposed route and stitching it into place.
Book ConsultationThe cost of your graft will depend on the type of gum graft needed to cover the receding gum. Your dentists will determine this by the size of the area needed to be grafted.
Book ConsultationYou must have heard about different cosmetic procedures that can upgrade the appearance of your teeth. But don’t forget about the element of a bright, attractive smile: the healthy looking and well-proportioned gums that surround support those pearly whites. Often, cosmetic flaws are caused by gum tissue that’s covering too much or too little of the tooth’s surface; in other situations, the gum line is uneven, and covers some teeth more than others. Cosmetic gum surgery can successfully remedy these imperfections.
Yes. A tooth with too much of its root area exposed is often more prone to decay and may become extremely sensitive to hot or cold. To re-store the gum on the root surface with gum tissue is just one non-cosmetic reason why gum surgery may be necessary.
In some cases, gum-related issues can be resolved without surgery, as such, it’s necessary to arrange an appointment with a specialised oral surgeon to determine how to address a certain dental health problem. After a consultation, the surgeon will be better able to define the existing problems and locate what corrective actions are most applicable.
Since surgical procedures commonly involve incisions, stitches may be mandatory to close the incision and allow proper healing to begin. In some situations, a dressing may be needed, which will mean taking extra special care to keep the area as clean as possible. The oral surgeon will suggest ways to prevent the occurrence of problems related to the healing process. Over-the-counter pain medications may be sufficient after a procedure, but the surgeon will issue a prescription if the need for something stronger is needed. Discuss how and when any medications should be used to avoid complications. Typical healing process can take about one to two weeks, depending on the type of gum surgery performed. Your oral surgeon will also provide post-op instructions and care alternative to help the healing process.