What to Expect During the Gum Grafting Process
Prior to performing the gum grafting procedure, we will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, bite, plaque, and bone structure and review your medical and oral health history. It may also be necessary to take an X-Ray or other diagnostic exam to identify underlying issues and determine whether gum grafting is necessary. If it is determined that gum grafting is the best treatment option for you, the procedure will typically include the following steps:
- A local anesthetic and/or dental sedation is administered to reduce pain, discomfort, and/or anxiety during the procedure.
- The next step will vary depending upon what type of gum graft is being performed. If you are having a free gingival graft, a small piece of tissue will be removed from the roof of your mouth and sutured over the area of recession. If you are having a connective tissue graft, a small flap is made in your palate and a tiny piece of connective tissue is removed and then stitched over the area of recession. If you are having a pedicle graft, local tissue is moved over the area of recession rather than taken from your palate.
- Once the graft is in place, the area is sutured shut, and the procedure will be complete.
How Much Does Gum Grafting Cost?
At Periodontic Associates of Port Huron, we are committed to making sure you understand what the cost of treatment will be and will do everything we can to help you maximize your dental health benefits and explore third-party financing plans if necessary. One of our business coordinators will be happy to conduct a complimentary benefits analysis for you when you are in the office.
If you do not have insurance and are concerned about the cost of periodontal care, you are not alone. We understand that the cost of periodontal treatment is one of the biggest concerns our patients have and are committed to ensuring our patients receive the care they deserve and that the cost of treatment does not prevent this from happening. To learn more about all the financial options we offer, contact our office today.
For your convenience, we accept cash, check, credit cards, and financing.
Aftercare Instructions Following Gum Grafting
Following your gum grafting procedure, it is essential that you closely follow the aftercare instructions provided by your periodontist. In addition to following these instructions, additional steps you can take to minimize post-procedural issues include:
- Discomfort or pain can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain-relieving medication. Follow recommended dosages, and if prescribed painkillers, take as directed until the prescription runs out.
- Swelling can be controlled by placing ice packs over the affected area for ten to fifteen minutes at a time. It is important not to leave the ice pack on for too long, as doing so reduces blood flow, which can slow the healing process.
- Avoid using a straw, rinsing, or spitting for 24 hours.
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods and follow a soft food diet (yogurt, pudding, applesauce, soup) for at least two weeks. You may begin to slowly reintroduce harder foods as discomfort subsides and healing progresses.
- Rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 48 hours, possibly longer depending on the severity of your case.
If the underlying reason for gum grafting was due to periodontal disease, it is important to improve your level of self-care moving forward to reduce your risk of needing similar procedures in the future. Schedule regular periodontal maintenance every six months, or with greater frequency depending upon the severity of your case. These visits allow us to perform a thorough examination of your oral health, and if any issue is detected, begin treating that issue as soon as possible. Additionally, we can provide a professional cleaning to eliminate plaque and calculus using specialized instruments that normal brushing methods cannot remove.
While these regular appointments are a critical component to enjoying good oral health, the type of self-care you follow at home is even more important. In addition to brushing and flossing twice daily, eat healthy, avoid use of tobacco, and take efforts to avoid being sedentary and reduce high levels of stress, as both are linked as underlying causes of systemic issues, including periodontal disease. By making a commitment to following a consistent oral health routine and living a healthy lifestyle, you will significantly reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease and enjoy improved overall oral and physical health.
Personalized Care and High Quality Services
At Periodontic Associates of Port Huron, we are committed to providing a comfortable, personalized experience built around your individual needs. Our experienced team takes the time to get to know each patient, answer questions, and understand your concerns and treatment goals. We believe that trust and open communication are essential to providing high-quality periodontal care.
If you have questions about gum grafting or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Periodontic Associates of Port Huron at (810) 987-1400.
We look forward to helping you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.