)
)
)
)
)
Dr. Andoni Jones Explains The Benefits Of Gum Surgery
Dr. Andoni Jones Explains The Benefits Of Gum Surgery
Gum recession is a common dental concern affecting millions of people.
When the gum tissue pulls back, it can expose the roots of your teeth, leading to sensitivity and discomfort.
This exposure also makes your teeth look longer than normal, changing the appearance of your smile.
Gum grafting offers a proven solution to this problem.
This surgical procedure rebuilds the gum tissue around your teeth, covering exposed roots and restoring your natural gum line.
We walk you through who benefits from the procedure, what happens during treatment, how long it lasts, and more.
)
What Is Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting is a dental procedure that fixes gum recession by adding tissue to areas where gums have pulled away from the teeth.
During the procedure, your dentist typically takes a small piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth and places it carefully over the exposed tooth roots.
This new tissue integrates with your existing gums to restore a more normal gumline, protecting roots from further exposure.
But the benefits go beyond just looks.
While gum grafting does improve your smile's appearance, it also reduces tooth sensitivity and protects against future dental issues.
Many patients find immense relief from the discomfort they've been experiencing with exposed roots.
)
Who Is A Candidate For Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting may be recommended if you are experiencing:
- Gum recession with exposed root surface: Exposed roots leave teeth vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and further damage if left untreated.
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods: When the gum tissue pulls back, it exposes sensitive roots, making eating and drinking uncomfortable.
- Thin or fragile gum tissue prone to recession: Some people naturally have thinner gums, which increases the likelihood of gum loss over time.
- A "long tooth" appearance affecting your smile: Gum grafting can restore a more balanced gum line, improving the overall look of your smile.
- Good oral health with no active gum disease: Healthy gums heal better and support successful grafting. Any existing gum disease must be treated before the procedure.
- A commitment to maintaining excellent oral hygiene after the procedure: Following aftercare instructions and keeping gums clean are key to long-lasting results.
)
What Should You Expect Before Gum Grafting?
Preparation for gum grafting begins several weeks before your surgery date.
Your dentist will perform a thorough examination to check for any underlying problems that might affect healing.
You’ll also receive guidance on how to prepare for surgery and what habits to avoid to support smooth healing.
Here are the main things you can expect before the procedure:
- Comprehensive dental examination: Your dentist will check for gum disease, cavities, or other issues that need treatment before grafting can proceed.
- Personalised treatment plan: The type of graft and surgical approach will be tailored to your specific needs.
- Medical and lifestyle review: You may be advised to stop smoking, adjust medications, or make other lifestyle changes to improve healing.
- Pre-surgery instructions: Guidance may include eating a light meal before your appointment and arranging transport home if needed.
What Is The Gum Graft Surgery Procedure?
- Numbing The Area
- Harvesting The Graft Tissue
- Preparing The Receding Gum Area
- Attaching And Suturing The Graft
- Immediate Post-surgery Care
Numbing The Area
Numbing The Area
The first step involves administering a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area.
This completely blocks pain signals, though you may still feel some pressure and movement during the procedure.
Harvesting The Graft Tissue
)
Harvesting The Graft Tissue
Once the area is numb, the dentist carefully harvests a small piece of gum tissue, usually from the roof of your mouth.
This soft tissue will serve as the graft to cover the exposed tooth roots and is carefully shaped to fit the area that requires coverage.
The incision is made delicately to minimise discomfort and promote fast healing in the donor site.
Preparing The Receding Gum Area
)
Preparing The Receding Gum Area
Next, the dentist prepares the site where the gum has receded, which involves gently cleaning the exposed root and shaping the surrounding gum tissue.
Proper preparation ensures the graft adheres well and integrates with the existing gum tissue.
Attaching And Suturing The Graft
Attaching And Suturing The Graft
The harvested tissue is positioned over the exposed root and secured with small sutures.
The sutures hold the graft in place while it heals and fuses with the surrounding gum.
Once secured, the area is checked carefully for proper coverage and alignment.
Immediate Post-surgery Care
)
Immediate Post-surgery Care
After the graft is in place, the dentist will provide specific instructions for the initial hours and days following surgery.
This includes eating soft foods, avoiding pressure on the graft, and using any prescribed medications to reduce discomfort.
The grafted area is monitored for bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection before the patient leaves the clinic.
Benefits of Gum Grafting
Root protection: The gum tissue grafts cover vulnerable root surfaces, preventing tooth decay and further gum recession.
This protection can save teeth that might otherwise require more extensive treatment later.
Reduced sensitivity: Most patients notice significant improvement in temperature sensitivity within days of surgery.
Hot and cold foods become comfortable again.
Better appearance: Grafting restores natural gum contours and reduces the "long tooth" look that comes with gum recession.
Your smile appears more youthful and balanced.
Prevention of further problems: Strong, healthy gum tissue is less likely to recede in the future.
This prevents the need for more extensive treatments down the road.
Long-term oral health: The procedure supports overall gum and tooth health, contributing to better oral hygiene and fewer dental problems over time.
High success rates: When performed by experienced surgeons and properly cared for, gum grafts succeed in the vast majority of cases.
Minimal invasiveness: The procedure preserves your natural teeth while addressing the underlying problem.
No healthy tooth structure is removed or altered.
Improved confidence: Many patients report feeling more comfortable smiling, eating, and speaking after their gums heal.
How Long Does Gum Graft Surgery Take?
Gum graft surgery is generally a relatively quick and gentle procedure.
For a single tooth, the surgery usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes from start to finish.
Because there is no drilling or tooth extraction involved, the procedure is much less invasive than other types of dental surgery.
Patients typically don't feel any pain during surgery due to the local anaesthetic, although some mild discomfort or swelling may occur afterward.
Overall, the short duration and minimally invasive nature of gum grafting make it a comfortable option for improving both gum health and appearance.
)
What Are The Potential Risks Or Complications Of Gum Graft Surgery?
Like all surgical procedures, gum grafting carries some risks, though serious complications are rare. These include:
- Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the graft or donor site.
- Swelling and bruising: Mild swelling or bruising around the treated area is common during the first few days.
- Discomfort or pain: Soreness and increased sensitivity may occur post-surgery, but can be managed with prescribed medication.
- Graft failure: In rare cases, the new gum graft may not fully integrate, requiring a second procedure.
- Bleeding: Minor bleeding may occur immediately after surgery or during the first 24 hours.
- Discolouration: The grafted area may appear slightly different in colour while healing.
- Mobility of the graft: If the connective tissue graft is disturbed by chewing or brushing, it may shift and affect results.
- Delayed healing: Healing can be slower in smokers or patients who don't follow aftercare instructions.
What Our Patients Say
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
Check out Our Happy Dental Patients
We have transformed 1000's of smiles using gum surgery at our Dublin (Red Cow), Dublin 2 (Aungier Street), Limerick and Galway clinics.
But don't take our word for it!
Ready for the Next Step? Book Your Free Consultation
Our team of experienced dentists are waiting to hear from you. Book your free consultation today.
View Pricing OptionsVisit Us In Dublin (Red Cow), Dublin 2 (Aungier Street), Limerick Or Galway
13-16 Redmond's Hill, Aungier Street, Dublin 2, D02 RP46
The Red Cow Complex, Naas Rd, Fox-And-Geese, Dublin, D22 KV24
Old Quarter House, Little Ellen St, Limerick, V94 D72V
28, Briarhill Business Park, Galway, H91 C9DR
Commonly Asked Questions
What are Gum Graft Failure Symptoms?
While gum grafts are highly successful, it’s good to know the signs of a problem. Symptoms of gum graft failure can include:
- Discoloration of the grafted tissue: The graft may appear unusually pale, dark, or yellowish.
- Persistent pain: Ongoing or worsening discomfort beyond the typical healing period.
- Excessive swelling: Swelling that doesn’t improve or worsens after the first few days.
- Continuous bleeding: Continuous or heavy bleeding from the graft or donor site.
- Mobility of the graft: The graft feels loose or shifts when touched or during chewing.
- Pus or discharge: Any sign of infection, such as oozing pus from the graft area.
- Foul taste or odour: Indicating possible infection or poor healing.
- Delayed or incomplete healing: The graft doesn’t integrate with the surrounding gum tissue.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, get in touch with your oral surgeon as soon as possible.
How long does it take to fully recover from a gum graft?
Full recovery from a gum graft typically takes 2 to 3 months.
Most patients feel significantly better within two weeks, but the tissue continues strengthening and maturing for several more weeks.
Is gum graft surgery painful?
Gum graft surgery is generally not painful thanks to local anesthesia.
Patients may feel mild discomfort or swelling after the procedure, which can be managed with prescribed medication.
What happens after a gum graft procedure?
After the procedure, patients are advised to avoid chewing on the grafted area and to follow gentle oral hygiene practices.
Soft foods and prescribed medications help reduce discomfort and promote healing.
A follow-up visit is usually scheduled within two weeks to monitor progress and remove any remaining sutures.
What is the recovery timeline for a gum graft?
The first two weeks involve the most noticeable healing, with swelling and discomfort gradually decreasing.
Full integration of the graft is generally visible within 2 to 3 months.