Gingival Graft or Periodontal Plastic Surgery is also known as gum graft. It’s a dental procedure performed to correct the recession of gums. The purpose of this minor surgery reduces the damaging health effects of receding gums. Bone and gum grafting near you are also done as a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of one’s smile. The process of a gum graft is relatively simple and fast with a short recovery time. Another benefit is that the results of this procedure are immediately visible.
There are different reasons that can lead to receding gums, creating the need for gum graft surgery. One of the main reasons for gum recession is having poor oral hygiene habits over a long period of time. It can also be due to harmful oral hygiene techniques such as “over-brushing”. What happens during gum recession is that the soft tissue that surrounds the teeth and provides protection, begins to slowly pull away from the tooth, exposing more of the enamel and creating a weak or vulnerable environment. Receding gums can also damage the bone that supports the tooth. If ignored and without treatment, the condition can become quite severe, which is why you need to look for bone and gum grafting near you as soon as you see the signs of receding gums.
The Process of a Gum Graft Surgery
The procedure for gum graft surgery differs according to the severity of each patient’s condition. First, your dentist in Naples will inform you of the details regarding your condition after a thorough inspection. They will take your input on the best way to move forward with the treatment as well. The surgical procedure will be done after putting the patient under an anesthetic. The dentist may lift the existing gum to properly clean the area first. There are 3 types of gum graft procedures usually offered by our dental clinic in Naples.
• Connective tissue grafts
The dentist will make a flap-like opening at the roof of the mouth which allows the tissue to cover the exposed root of the tooth where the gum graft is performed.
• Free gingival grafts
This method is usually offered by your dental office in Naples if you have thin gums, and need an extra layer of tissue to safely enlarge that area. Similar to the previous type, the extra tissue is obtained from a slight opening at the roof of the mouth.
• Lateral grafts
This is a slightly more complex procedure than the other methods since it is performed on people with a special condition that includes an extra layer of gum tissue growing close to their exposed tooth. This extra tissue is cut away during the procedure with one edge attached. This edge is stretched to cover the exposed tooth in the desired manner.
Recovering After a Gum Graft Surgery
When it comes to recovering from any oral surgical procedure, the key is to avoid irritating the treated area. Refrain from brushing or flossing until you feel fully healed. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to minimize infection risk. If you experience discomfort, over-the-counter painkillers can help. Avoid overexertion to prevent irritation and prolong healing. Recovery time and discomfort vary between individuals, typically taking one to two weeks for full healing after a gum graft procedure. Wondering how long a gum graft takes to fully heal? Generally, one to two weeks is the expected recovery period.
For faster recovery, it is important to stay away from tiring physical exercise. Your diet should also be modified to help with the healing. Avoid any hard-to-chew food and stick to soft but nutritious food like soups, broths, and dairy products. Smoking should be fully avoided until you are recovered since it can dehydrate the treatment site. Also, the suction motion when smoking can irritate the surgery area as well. It is natural to feel some sensitivity around the area for a few weeks after the surgery, so it is good to avoid food and drinks that are too cold or too hot as well.