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What Can You Expect from Cosmetic Gum Grafting?

Cosmetic gum surgery is recommended by dentists if your gums are receding and exposing the roots of your teeth. It can make the root surface of your teeth more prone to decay besides being sensitive and prone to abrasion. Gum grafts are also known as gingival grafts and can correct receding gums. You may be referred to a periodontist for this simple surgical procedure which may also be used for cosmetic purposes. 

During the gum graft, the periodontist will remove a small piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth or healthy gum tissue located close by and attach it to the area where the gums have worn away. The procedure is relatively quick allowing you to leave the dental office soon as it is completed. 

Continue reading to learn how you can prepare and what to expect during cosmetic gum surgery and some tips for the recovery. 

Preparing for a Gum Graft 

Gum grafts are provided in three versions which are: 

  • Free gingival graft. 
  • Connective tissue graft. 
  • Pedicle graft. 

The professional performing periodontal surgery in Surrey will discuss the options with you and also make a recommendation after considering your individual needs. 

After you have decided on the type of gum graft you want to have you don’t have to worry any further because you will not be required to fast, change your diet or take any precautions until the day of the procedure. All you have to do is turn up at the dental office for the grafting. 

You just need to ensure you have someone driving you to and from the dental office because the medications provided for pain and discomfort will make it unsafe for you to drive. Therefore you need to make arrangements for a ride back home either with a friend or a car service. 

What to Expect during Cosmetic Surgery? 

After you arrive for your appointment you will be escorted to the treatment room and local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area of the procedure. The cosmetic gum Surgeon in Surrey may administer general anesthesia in rare cases if you want to be unconscious during the surgery. It is not usually recommended because of the risks associated with general anesthesia. 

Depending on your requirements the surgeon performing periodontal surgery in Surrey will perform one of the following: 

Free gingival graft by a small piece of gum tissue will be removed from the roof of your mouth and stitched into the area that needs gum tissue. This type of graft is provided if your gums are thin and need additional tissue to prevent a recession. 

Connective tissue graft by opening a small flap in the roof of your mouth and removing some connective tissue from below the top layer. This tissue will be stitched into the area that needs the gum tissue and is the most common type of grafting. 

Pedicle graft. Your periodontist will create a flap of tissue from the area the next to the gum recession and uses the flap to cover the receding gum tissue. This procedure utilizes local tissue rather than tissue taken from another part of the mouth to cover the recession. A pedicle graft is usually the most successful because it does not cut off blood flow to any part of your mouth. 

The procedure does not take a long time and after the periodontist has accomplished the procedure you will be given an antibacterial mouthwash to wash your mouth out. 

What Are the Costs of Cosmetic Gum Grafting? 

Gum grafting can cost between a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on how many teeth you need to have treated. If you have dental insurance cosmetic gum grafting will be covered by the insurer as a procedure needed for periodontal disease or a mouth injury. The total costs may depend on how much work needs to be done and the number of sessions required to complete the procedure. However, if the procedure is being performed for elective cosmetic reasons insurance companies may not cover the surgery. 

Recovery Tips 

You will be able to go home shortly after the procedure but during the first couple of weeks, you will be advised to eat soft and cold foods to ensure you do not cause any damage to the grafts. An antibacterial mouthwash will also be recommended to prevent infections and back buildup on your teeth. You will be prohibited from flossing in the area until the periodontist confirms it is safe to do so. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort you can find relief from over-the-counter pain medications. 

You should be fully healed from the surgery in a couple of weeks and will need to schedule an appointment with the periodontist to make sure you are healing properly and the graft is successful. 

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