Dental Services :Periodontics : Gingival Graft

Gingival Graft

Gingival graft or gum grafts are periodontal treatments whereby tissue is added onto cover the exposed portion of the root to repair a defect and help prevent additional gum recession, bone loss and protects the tooth.

Factors contribuing to gum recession may include:

  • Aggressive brushing
  • Gum disease
  • Gum tissue that is naturally thin
  • Previous orthodontic treatments
  • Previous tooth loss
gum grafts

Gingival Graft

If your gums are severely recessed, gingival graft may help protect your teeth. Ask you periodontists about periodontal treatments.

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Benefits of Gingival Graft

  • Gums grafts protects your tooth root from exposure.
  • It can also improve the appearance of your smile.
  • Gingival grafting can reduce further gum recession and bone loss and help reduce or eliminates tooth sensitivity. 
  • Gum line may be revived.
  • It reinforces the gum tissue around a tooth, therefore helps strengthen and stabilize the tooth and surrounding area.

Effects of Gum Recession

When gingiva or gum tissue recedes, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. Gum recession often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance to the gum and tooth. Significant gum recession can also lead to root caries and root gouging.

Types of Gingival Graft

During gingival periodontal treatments grafts, a thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or around gums round a tooth to provide a stable band of attached gingiva around the tooth. In addition to the patients own tissue, tissue from a donor bank that has undergone rigorous sterilizaton or synthetic mandbrane materials may be used.Tissue-stimulating proteins are sometimes also added to encourage the body’s natural ability to grow bone and tissue.

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Procedure for Gum Grafting

  1. First Evaluation and diagnosis
    • An oral examination to determine if gum grafting is really warranted
    • X-ray(s) may be taken of the tooth to evaluate both the internal aspects of the tooth, the tooth root and bone
    • Relevant medical history are recorded. Do ensure that you report to your dentist any problems with any previous dental experience such as bleeding problems, medical conditions or allergies to medicationsand supplements
  2. Site tooth preparation
    • Local anesthetize is given to “numb up” the tooth, jawbone and surrounding gums
  3. Gum Grafting is done
    • Gum tissue is loosened to make room for the graft
    • The gum grafting material is then inserted and placed on
    • Stitch up to close surgical site
  4. Instructions on post care directions given

Step 1

gums grafts

Prepare the site

The area is numbed

Step 2

gingival graft

Gum Grafts

Gum tissue from other areas or from donor are placed over the recessed site. 

Step 3

Periodontal Treatments

Close surgical site

Grafts are stitched or tissue generation membrane added for healing

Recovery Expectations

You may follow your regular daily activities, avoiding excessive exertion typed of activities such as exercising or sunbathing. You may experience some pain, espeically if the graft has been taken from other areas of mouth. If no tissue is removed from your palate or gums, there should be little or no discomfort.

Do not floss or brush over the gum area with gingival grafts until it has healed. Soft and cool foods is recommended for first week.

Postcare Instructions after Gingival Graft

  • Do not use mouthwash for six hours after oral surgery
  • If mild bleeding occurs, hold cold salt water in the mouth until it warms to body temperature
  • Do not rinse for 12 hours
  • After 12 hours you may rinse with a solution of teaspoonful of salt in a glass of warm water. Antiseptic mouthwash is also recommended to use in the morning and before bedtime
  • Brush your teeth as usual, but do not brush the wound
  • Take only soft, non-spicy and cold foods, if possible, for 2- 3 days
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol
  • Avoid swelling by sleep on the thick pillow during night time.
  • Mild pain can be controlled with pain relieve medications as directed by your dentist
  • Complete taking the course of your prescribed antibiotic medication as directed.
  • Non-absorbed suture should be removed within 7-10 days after the surgery.
  • Contact the clinic immediately or emergency room if:
    – Excessive bleeding other than slight staining occurs.
    – Severe pain is present.
    – Marked swelling occur.
    – suspect any symptons of allergic reaction.
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