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    Brooklyn Gum Graft (Grafting Surgery)

    Gum grafting is needed when periodontal disease has gone untreated for a long time and your gums have receded. Gum recession leads to tooth loss. When it’s in your front teeth, it can affect your appearance. Gum graft recovery at Family Cosmetic & Implants Dentistry of Brooklyn following gum graft surgery is usually quick and painless but often times will require a referral to an outside periodontist. Gum graft surgery is a case-by-case situation with different treatment options that first requires a proper examination by our team of general dentists.

    Before and After Soft Tissue Gum Graft
    Many people suffer from gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease. The condition can cause gum recession, which also occurs if you smoke or brush your teeth too vigorously. As your gums recede, you experience increased sensitivity, exposure of your tooth roots and even potential bone or tooth loss — especially if you don’t get it treated.

    For severe cases of recession, your Brooklyn cosmetic dentist may recommend a gum graft. Gingival graft surgery can:

    • Cover the exposed root of your tooth
    • Help your body redevelop lost gum tissue
    • Make you feel more confident during every day speaking, smiling and eating
    • Reverse the multiple effects of gingival recession
    • Prevent the possibility of tooth loss

    Three Main Types of Gum Grafting Surgery

    Receding gums is a gradual process that commonly affects between four and 18 percent of the adult population. Due to the slow nature of its progress, you often overlook it until it’s severe enough to cause tooth sensitivity or become noticeably unattractive. There are three different methods of gum grafting:

    1. Connective-tissue graft. The most common procedure involves cutting a flap of skin from the roof of your mouth, called the palate, to remove some tissue. The flap is sutured back into place, and the removed tissue is stitched around the compromised gum area. This technique covers the exposed root. If you’re otherwise healthy, it quickly molds to form a natural, protective barrier. Gum graft recovery is fairly short.
    2. Free gingival graft. This method also involves making incisions in your palate, but there’s no flap. Your dentist just removes a larger amount of tissue directly, including some sub-epithelial connective tissue. This tissue is attached around the compromised gum, providing a thicker barrier and larger amount of cushion. If you have thin gums or need extra tissue protection, your Brooklyn family dentist may opt for this surgery.
    3. Pedicle graft. If you have relatively healthy gum tissue in all but one or two areas, your dentist may opt to make an incision in your gums close to the affected area, leaving part of the gum attached and stretching the gum carefully over the exposed area. This allows the gum tissue to stay connected to a healthy blood supply as it heals in place and begins protecting the tooth root. You must have a sufficient amount of healthy gum tissue nearby for this method to be successful.

    On occasion, your Brooklyn cosmetic dentists may choose to use donated tissue from a tissue bank instead of your own gum tissue. If you have a compromised immune system or exceptionally thin gums, this process allows you to still reap the benefits of gum grafting without compromising your dental health further. Your dentist may combine any of the above methods with tissue-stimulating proteins to help your body grow healthy bone and tissue. In such cases our team may refer you to speciality periodontal clinics in our area for treatment.

    Gum Grafting Recovery and Aftercare

    Gingival grafting surgery has the same benefits of other same day surgeries, such as being able to recuperate at home. If you were given a sedative to calm you during the procedure, you need someone else to drive you home. Post-operative care includes:

    • No brushing or flossing the affected area, along and under the gum line, until you’ve healed completely.
    • Your dentist provides a prescription mouthwash that includes antibiotics to prevent infection and ingredients to control plaque.
    • You should stick to a diet of soft, cool foods for the first week or two for gum graft recovery. Jell-O, eggs, cottage cheese, well-cooked vegetables, yogurt and ice cream are acceptable.
    • Post-operative pain during your recovery is usually minor. Many report it feeling like a bad pizza burn. You can control the pain with over-the-counter or prescription pain-relievers. Your mouth heals quickly, so you should only experience discomfort for a few days.
    • Though your mouth may be sore for a week or two, you should be able to resume your normal work routine the day after surgery.

    Let your dentist know if you experience any bleeding that isn’t controlled after twenty minutes of pressure. Also report unusual pain, bruising or swelling. Though rare, complications occasionally occur.

    Added Benefit of a Smile Makeover

    Gum graft surgery is usually at least partially covered by most dental insurance policies. You can expect noticeable benefits including:

    • Repairing and preventing gum recession
    • Preventing bone and tooth loss
    • Protecting your dental health
    • Reducing sensitivity around your tooth root
    • Helping you eat more comfortably
    • Feeling better regarding your smile and appearance

    Your Brooklyn family dentist works with your individual needs, taking into consideration your medical and dental health, as well as any budgetary concerns you may have. Your dental health makes a world of difference in the quality of your everyday life.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How Much Does Gum Grafting Cost?

    The gum graft cost is determined by the number of affected teeth and the experience of your dentist. The complexity of your case also impacts the price. If you don’t have enough healthy gum tissue, you will need a donor material, which is more expensive. In general, the cost of gum graft procedure can vary between $600 and $1200.

    Does Insurance Cover a Gum Tissue Graft?

    Generally, insurance companies cover all major dental surgeries. With a dental plan, you can get partial reimbursement for gum recession surgery. You might receive full coverage if you have an Affordable Care Act plan.

    How to Prepare for Gum Graft Surgery?

    The preparations can vary from patient to patient. If you request sedation, you shouldn’t eat or drink the night before the treatment. In case you only need a local anesthetic, you should stick to the following recommendations:

    • Have a meal before surgery. You will be advised to wait a few hours after surgery before consuming any foods or liquids.
    • Do not exercise before surgery. Physical activities can excite your metabolism. As a result, you might need more medication.
    • Take any prescribed medications. If you require any preoperative medications, such as antibiotics, please take them as directed.

    Do you have any questions about the Gum Graft (Grafting Surgery) procedure in Brooklyn? Would you like to schedule an appointment with the best-rated Brooklyn dentists of Family Cosmetic & Implants Dentistry of Brooklyn? Please contact our dental clinic for consultation with our general dentists Alex or Igor Khabensky DDS to evaluate your condition and offer proper treatment options.

    Call718.339.8852
    Page Updated on Feb 14, 2024 by Igor Khabensky, DDS (Dentist) of Family Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Brooklyn

    Family Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Brooklyn
    2148 Ocean Ave #401
    Brooklyn, NY 11229
    (866) 814-2636