Gum grafts: these three words can raise fears and questions. Especially when your dentist mentions its necessity to counter the effects of gum recession. While it is normal to have questions about the new treatments that are offered to you, there is no need to worry about this procedure. To convince you of its benefits, the team at the Centre Dentaire Georges in LaSalle is taking stock of this beneficial surgery.
What is a gum graft?
In medicine, the word graft refers to “the transfer, to a […] recipient, of a graft made up of cells, tissue, part of an organ or an entire organ” (Source: Encyclopédie Larousse. Our Translation). It is used to restore or maintain deficient functions or to help regenerate affected tissues. Thus, gum grafting aims to restore the strength and/or length of a weaker or shorter gum. In many cases, the graft used comes directly from the patient being treated (usually from the palate), but it can also be of external origin (donor banks, freeze-dried tissues, etc.). The choice is made according to the needs and expectations of each person.
A procedure to counteract gum recession
Gum graft is mainly used to treat or prevent the progression of gum recession. This disorder is characterized by a weakening of the gums and/or the removal of tissue covering the tooth roots (loosening of the teeth). It generally results from gum disease that has not been treated properly and has worsened (periodontitis). Other factors (oral piercings, poor dental hygiene and care, poor brushing technique, physiognomic characteristics, etc.) can play a role in the development of this disease.
Why is it important to resort to it?
Not only does gum recession affect the alignment and appearance of the teeth (some teeth appear longer than others) and cause dentin hypersensitivity, but it can also lead to tooth loss. Indeed, if it progresses too much, the foundations could weaken significantly, causing the mobility of some teeth or even their loss. Gum grafts are therefore performed to restore the aesthetics of the smile and to preserve its health and integrity.
How are grafts performed?
There are different types of grafts, which differ in their purpose (covering exposed roots or strengthening tissues to prevent the disease from progressing) and the nature of the grafted tissues. However, the steps of the process are very similar:
- After local anesthesia of the palate and the treated area, it is carefully cleaned and descaled to limit the risk of bacterial infection.
- The dentist takes a strip of tissue (keratinized or connective) from the patient’s palate.
- The selected graft is placed on the gum (at the root or dental arch level depending on the option chosen) and fixed with stitches.
- Depending on the type of graft, the new tissue integrates perfectly with the gum or adheres to the freshly covered roots. This happens during healing, in the weeks following the procedure.
Is the procedure complex?
It is a relatively simple procedure with a high success rate. Each graft requires a 60-to-90-minute appointment. Thus, several visits are sometimes necessary to treat separate or large areas. These will be spaced far enough apart to allow for full healing from each surgery.
Is the graft painful?
Since the gum graft is performed under local anesthesia, it is not painful. However, it is normal to feel discomfort and moderate pain in the treated gum and the graft extraction site after the procedure. However, these sensations should gradually diminish, as should the swelling and bleeding that are sometimes observed. If these symptoms persist, contact us quickly and we will make sure to find the source of the problem and find a way to stop it!
If you still have questions about this beneficial intervention, do not hesitate to ask your LaSalle team. We will be happy to answer them and reassure you!