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Introduction

Gums protect the roots of your teeth and anchor them firmly in the jaw. When they pull back, the exposed root can look long and feel sensitive. If receding gums are left untreated, bone loss and even tooth loss may follow. Gum grafting replaces missing tissue, shields roots, and restores harmony to your smile. This guide explains how the gum grafting procedure works, who needs it, and how to prepare for treatment at Newton Dental Group.

Understanding Gum Recession

Recession develops slowly. Aggressive brushing, poor oral hygiene, orthodontic movement, clenching, or thin genetic tissue can all erode the gum margin. Certain health conditions and tobacco use also raise risk. A timely diagnosis by a local dentist allows early intervention before grafting becomes essential.

When Gum Grafting Is Recommended

A dentist in V3W 4Z5 may suggest grafting when the root is exposed, sensitivity is severe, or recession threatens future stability. Periodontal charts measure pocket depth and tissue thickness. Photographs and digital scans help compare changes over time. If conservative care, such as desensitizing agents, fails to control symptoms, grafting restores lost coverage.

Types of Gum Grafts

• Connective tissue graft – The surgeon removes a small flap from the palate, places connective tissue over the exposed root, and re‑covers the donor site.
• Free gingival graft – Similar to a connective graft but includes surface epithelium; ideal for building thickness around lower front teeth.
• Pedicle graft – Nearby gum is rotated over the defect, keeping its own blood supply. This option suits isolated recession with abundant neighboring tissue.

What to Expect During Gum Grafting

On the day of surgery, local anesthetic numbs the area. Sedation is available for anxious patients. The clinician cleans the root, shapes it, and positions the graft. Fine sutures secure the new tissue, and a dressing may cover the site. Most surgeries take under an hour per tooth.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

Bring a complete medication list and discuss any blood thinners with your provider. Arrange transportation if you plan to use oral or IV sedation. Stock your kitchen with soft foods—yogurt, scrambled eggs, smoothies—so you can nourish yourself without disturbing the graft. Your dentist near you will provide written instructions, but preparing ahead streamlines recovery.

Recovery and Aftercare

Mild swelling and soreness are normal for the first few days. Ice packs and over‑the‑counter analgesics keep discomfort low. Patients eat soft, cool foods and avoid the grafted area while brushing. An antimicrobial rinse helps control bacteria until the dentist near you removes sutures in roughly two weeks. Full integration usually occurs within six weeks, and your new tissue continues to strengthen over the next several months.

Benefits of Gum Grafting

• Reduces root sensitivity to hot and cold
• Stops further recession and bone loss
• Creates a more symmetrical smile
• Allows easier cleaning by eliminating deep grooves under the gumline

Preventing Future Recession

Long‑term success involves good habits. Use a soft toothbrush and a non‑abrasive paste. Giving up smoking can help increase gum blood circulation. Avoid smoking to promote better blood flow to your gum tissue. Consider wearing a night guard if you grind or clench your jaw. Schedule regular hygiene visits with a dentist in Surrey Newton so plaque and tartar never gain a foothold. Your local dentist will customize home‑care tips that match your oral anatomy and lifestyle.

Choosing the Right Provider

For residents seeking a dentist in Surrey Newton trusts, experience matters. A seasoned dentist in V3W 4Z5 understands subtle tissue differences among patients and selects the right graft for each case. Newton Dental Group uses microsurgical instruments and platelet‑rich fibrin to speed healing. The practice also collaborates with nearby specialists when complex bone reconstruction is needed.

Cost and Insurance

Most plans cover grafting when documented as medically necessary. Our front desk handles claims to maximize benefits. Flexible financing plans spread any remaining balance over affordable monthly payments, so the gum grafting procedure fits comfortably within your budget.

Living With Your New Gums

Once healed, touch the margin gently with a soft brush. Switch to an electric model with pressure control to avoid future abrasion. Floss or use a water irrigator daily. Regular checkups with a dentist in Surrey Newton, every six months allow early detection of any relapse. At home, watch for early signs such as sensitivity or notches along the gumline and call your local dentist right away if they appear.

Key Takeaway

Gum grafting is a reliable solution for receding gums, and today’s minimally invasive approach means less discomfort and faster recovery than ever before. If your gums are retreating, schedule a consultation with Newton Dental Group—your trusted team in Surrey-Newton—to see whether this treatment is right for you.