There are a few different criteria periodontists evaluate when deciding what procedures will be most beneficial for each patient, and this includes evaluation for free gingival grafts. Free gingival grafts can help restore receded gums and are most often used to repair the effects of periodontal disease, protecting the teeth and preventing the disease from progressing. Not everyone will benefit from free gingival grafts, however, and the long-term success of free gingival grafts, along with any other treatment for periodontal disease, relies primarily on the patient’s commitment to their oral hygiene.
How Do I Know if Gum Grafting is Good for Me?
If your gums have begun to recede, you may notice that your tooth roots are exposed, leading to tooth sensitivity and a subpar smile. Gum tissues can be damaged by gum disease, aggressive brushing, smoking, and a few other factors, and damaged gum tissues don’t grow back. If you are bothered by mild gum recession, you could benefit from a gum graft procedure, though free gingival grafts are insufficient for patients with more severe recession, who may require connective tissue grafts and bone grafts. By grafting soft tissue harvested from the palate to areas of weakness or unevenness in the gums, periodontists restore the appearance of the gum line and protect the tooth roots from bacteria and sensation. To qualify for free gingival grafts, patients should be in good overall health and good oral health. Any gum disease should be controlled, and any inflammatory medical conditions, like diabetes, should be well-managed before gingival grafts can succeed, as inflammation is the enemy of the gums and causes grafts to fail. In the areas being restored, the teeth must be free from infection and healthy, with clean, smooth surfaces to ensure secure grafts.
How Do I Maintain Gum Grafts?
If your periodontist determines that you’re a good candidate for free gingival grafts, you’ll need to commit to their healing and long-term success. While gum grafts are more than 90% successful, their longevity requires just as much attention to hygiene as the oral tissues. Your periodontist will review the specifics with you so you know how to commit to the success of your implants. If you smoke, be aware that smoking destroys the oral tissues, and committing to quitting might be a prerequisite for treatment; maintaining a smoke-free lifestyle will support your grafts, your oral health, and your overall health. If you have an auto-immune disorder or another medical condition that contributes to inflammation, work with your primary care provider to control your condition, as reducing systemic inflammation can help keep oral inflammation in check. While you should avoid brushing or flossing the graft area or the part of the palate where the tissue was harvested for the first few days following the procedure, keeping the entire oral cavity clean is crucial to the success of the grafts. Following your periodontist’s instructions, gently clean the teeth and oral tissues as instructed, rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash as directed, and make sure to work closely with your periodontist through any adjacent treatment they may be providing in addition to gum grafts. When you are released back to your general dentist, consider your oral health a clean slate, and continue to work with your dentist and dental hygienist to keep it that way.