Gum Graft Specialist

What is a gum graft?

A gum graft is an outpatient procedure that replaces tissue lost to chronic periodontal disease.

Without intervention and treatment, periodontal disease causes your gums to pull away from your teeth, exposing your tooth roots. That process increases the risk of tooth and bone loss.

During a gum graft, your provider at Pacific Coast Periodontics takes healthy tissue from another area of your mouth and sutures it to the base of your teeth. Over time, the graft fuses with the existing, healthy gum tissue, lowering the risk of additional complications.

What are the types of gum grafts?

At Pacific Coast Periodontics, the team offers several types of gum grafts, including:

Free gingival graft

If you have thin gums, the team recommends a free gingival graft. During this procedure, they remove a small piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth and suture it around your receding gums.

Connective tissue graft

During a connective tissue graft, your provider creates a small flap in the roof of your mouth. They remove a piece of tissue from beneath the flap and stitch it around an area of thin or receding gum tissue.

Pedicle graft

If you have plenty of healthy gum tissue near an area that’s receding, the team might recommend a pedicle graft. During this procedure, your provider creates a small flap from the healthy, local gum tissue. They stretch the healthy tissue over the thin or damaged area of your gums and suture it in place.

Who can benefit from a gum graft?

Anyone who has chronic gum disease that doesn’t respond to more conservative treatments like scaling and root planing or antibiotic therapy can benefit from a gum graft.

Following a comprehensive oral exam and a discussion of your symptoms, Pacific Coast Periodontics can develop a custom care plan that aligns with your needs.

What is recovery like after a gum graft?

Following a gum graft, it’s normal to experience some mild discomfort and increased sensitivity. Take your pain medication as prescribed, and eat only soft foods like scrambled eggs or mashed potatoes for the first week or two.

Avoid extremely hot or extremely cold foods as they may damage the graft and interfere with healing.

Don’t brush or floss until your provider says it’s safe. In addition, avoid strenuous activities like cardiovascular exercise or heavy lifting.

To learn more about gum grafts, make an appointment at Pacific Coast Periodontics by calling the office to speak with a caring member of the administrative staff or clicking the online booking tool today.