Gingival grafting, commonly known as gum grafting, represents an advanced periodontal procedure designed to restore receding gums and protect your tooth roots from further damage. When your gums pull away from your teeth due to periodontal disease or aggressive brushing, gingival grafting may be able to rebuild your gum line and improve both your oral health and smile aesthetics.
At Dental Specialties Northwest, Dr. Tom Sweeney and Dr. Rhys Spoor utilize this surgical treatment to help patients regain healthy gum tissue by taking material from another area of your mouth or using donor tissue to cover exposed tooth roots. The procedure has helped countless patients throughout Seattle regain their confidence while protecting their teeth from sensitivity and decay. Periodontal treatments like gingival grafting address one of the most common dental concerns affecting adults today.
Types of Gingival Grafts
Your periodontist may recommend one of several graft types based on your specific needs and anatomy. The connective tissue graft remains the most common approach, involving tissue removal from the roof of your mouth to cover exposed roots. This technique provides excellent coverage while maintaining a natural appearance.
Free gingival grafts work well for patients who need to increase gum thickness around specific teeth. This method takes tissue directly from the palate and places it over the receding area. While this approach may create a slightly different texture, it effectively protects exposed roots.
Pedicle grafts offer another option when you have adequate gum tissue near the treatment area. Your periodontist creates a flap from adjacent gum tissue and stretches it over the exposed root. This technique preserves blood supply, often leading to faster healing times.
The Gingival Grafting Process
Your periodontal treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your gum health and recession patterns. Digital imaging and measurements help determine the extent of grafting needed and the best approach for your situation.
During the procedure, your periodontist administers local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment. The donor tissue is carefully prepared and positioned over the recession area. Sutures hold the graft in place while healing begins.
Most gingival graft procedures take between one and two hours, depending on the number of teeth being treated. Your periodontist monitors your comfort level and adjusts anesthesia as needed throughout the process.
Recovery and Healing Timeline
The first week after your gingival graft requires careful attention to healing instructions. You’ll need to avoid brushing the treated area and stick to soft foods while the graft integrates with your existing tissue. Pain medication helps manage any discomfort during the initial healing phase.
Swelling and minor bleeding are normal during the first few days following your procedure. Ice packs applied to the outside of your face can help reduce swelling, while avoiding hot foods prevents irritation to the surgical site.
Your gums will gradually heal over the following weeks, with full integration typically occurring within four to six weeks. Follow-up appointments allow your periodontist to monitor healing progress and remove sutures when appropriate.
Benefits Beyond Aesthetics
Gingival grafting provides important health benefits that extend well beyond improving the appearance of your smile. Protecting exposed tooth roots from decay represents one of the most significant advantages of this treatment.
Many patients experience a dramatic reduction in tooth sensitivity after gingival grafting. Hot and cold foods that once caused discomfort become enjoyable again as the graft covers sensitive root surfaces.
The procedure also helps prevent further gum recession by creating a stronger, thicker band of tissue around your teeth. This protective barrier resists future recession and maintains the results of your treatment for years to come.
Maintaining Your Results
Proper oral hygiene plays a crucial role in maintaining your gingival graft results over time. Your periodontist will recommend specific brushing techniques and tools to protect your newly grafted tissue while keeping your gums healthy.
Regular periodontal maintenance appointments help monitor your gum health and prevent future recession. Professional cleanings remove bacteria and plaque that could compromise your graft success.
Avoiding habits like teeth grinding or aggressive brushing protects your investment in periodontal health. Your periodontist may recommend a night guard if bruxism contributed to your original gum recession.
Determining Your Candidacy
Several factors influence whether gingival grafting represents the right treatment choice for your situation. The extent of your gum recession, overall oral health, and personal treatment goals all play important roles in treatment planning.
Patients with adequate donor tissue typically achieve the best outcomes with traditional grafting techniques. However, alternative materials and methods may be available if you have limited palatal tissue or prefer to avoid a second surgical site.
Your medical history and current medications may affect healing and treatment planning. Certain conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes or smoking, can impact graft success rates and may require additional preparation before treatment.
Restore Your Gum Health with Dental Specialties Northwest
Gingival grafting offers a proven solution for patients experiencing gum recession and the associated sensitivity and aesthetic concerns. This advanced periodontal procedure can restore your gum line while protecting your teeth from further damage and decay.
Dr. Tom Sweeney and Dr. Rhys Spoor bring decades of combined experience in advanced periodontal treatments to their Seattle practice at Dental Specialties Northwest. Located in the prestigious Columbia Tower, our renowned dental team provides world-class care using the latest techniques in periodontal surgery. Contact our team to schedule your consultation and learn how gingival grafting can restore your oral health and confidence.
