at Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Coastal Jaw Surgery
GUM GRAFTING FOR CORRECTING RECEDING GUMS & OTHER PERIODONTAL RELATED ISSUES
Gum recession is a common condition that can develop for several reasons, including genetics, aggressive brushing, tobacco use, and periodontal disease. As the gums recede, more of the tooth root becomes exposed, which can lead to increased sensitivity, a higher risk of root decay, and changes in the appearance of the smile.
When gum recession is related to periodontal disease, plaque and bacteria can damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth. If the condition progresses without treatment, it may contribute to deeper periodontal pockets, loose teeth, tooth loss, and loss of supporting bone.
One of the most common treatments for significant gum recession is a gum graft. During this procedure, tissue may be taken from another area of the mouth or obtained from a donor source and placed over the exposed root or area of recession. The graft helps increase tissue coverage, protect the tooth root, improve gum stability, and create a more balanced appearance.
At Coastal Jaw Surgery, our Board-Certified Periodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating gum disease and other conditions affecting the periodontium. For more than three decades, we have provided patients throughout the Tampa Bay area with periodontal, dental implant, oral surgery, and Same Day Teeth® services.
To schedule an appointment for a gum graft, contact Coastal Jaw Surgery today at (800) DIAL-SMILE.
Periodontology Reviews
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Michael A. Pikos
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Michael A. Pikos is the CEO and Founder of Coastal Jaw Surgery, now celebrating its 40th anniversary. He is also the CEO and Founder of the world renowned Pikos Institute in Trinity, FL. He is recognized as a world authority on dental implant surgical reconstruction.
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Nicole Hernandez
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Othman Rezki
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Philip J.
Hedger
Prosthodontist
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Lindsey
Pikos Rosati
Periodontist
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Anthony M. Pikos
Periodontist
Dr. Bashar Adeinat
Periodontist
STEPS INVOLVED IN THE GUM GRAFTING PROCESS
Prior to performing a gum graft, we will conduct a thorough examination of your oral health to determine any underlying conditions that need to be addressed and, if necessary, take a 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan, which will provide us with 3D images of your bone, nerve pathways, soft tissues, and teeth, which allows us to make informed treatment decisions.
During the gum graft process, we will do everything we can to ensure that you experience minimal discomfort, which is why we offer varying levels of sedation, including oral sedatives, nitrous oxide, and intravenous (IV) sedation. Once you are sedated, the procedure will begin.
There are several different types of gum grafts that can be performed, which will determine what steps are involved, but typically the procedure begins by making a small flap and taking a piece of epithelial tissue from the patient’s palate (connective tissue), then suturing the flap and placing the tissue over the area requiring treatment. Additionally, connective tissue grafts may be used to thicken tissues and provide root coverage for additional support and an improved aesthetic appearance. Patients who require a substantial amount of tissue but have thin gums may be good candidates for a free gingival graft, which takes tissue from the topmost layer of the flap, and patients who have sufficient healthy gum tissue may have a pedicle graft, which involves making an incision in the gums and stretching the tissue over the area being treated.
Another method for correcting gum recession is tunneling, a minimally invasive procedure that involves creating a small pouch beneath the gums and covering root surfaces and thickening the patient’s gums using donor tissue. Although donor tissue does reduce patient discomfort and can be an effective treatment option, the use of autogenous tissue is recommended. Regardless of what type of graft is performed, the procedure will typically conclude with placement of special proteins (GTR) that are designed to facilitate tissue growth and speed up the healing process.
AFTERCARE FOLLOWING GUM GRAFTING
Following a gum graft, post-procedural pain, swelling, and complications can be minimized or avoided if the following instructions are closely followed.
- Avoid disturbing the surgical area
- Post-procedural pain typically develops once the anesthetic wears off. Once you begin to feel discomfort or pain, take OTC or prescription medication as directed.
- Place ice packs on the area where surgery occurred for twenty minutes at a time to control swelling.
- You may experience tooth sensitivity to cold/hot temperatures, but this should go away as the healing process progresses.
- Follow a soft food diet for approximately two weeks following your gum graft procedure, slowly reintroducing harder foods as the healing progresses.
- Avoid tobacco products and alcohol, as both can slow the healing process
- Avoid spitting, rinsing, or using a straw for the first 24 hours minimum.
- If possible, limit intense physical activity for the first three days, but most importantly following surgery.
In addition to following these aftercare instructions, we strongly encourage our clients to follow a six-month ongoing maintenance program, which includes regular professional cleanings of your teeth and allows us to monitor your overall oral health. By closely following aftercare instructions, scheduling regular maintenance, and continuing to follow good daily oral hygiene habits, you should enjoy a fast recovery that is free of complications and continue to enjoy a bright, healthy smile.
Same Day Teeth®
at Pikos Institute
8740 Mitchell Blvd
New Port Richey, FL 34655
(727) 877-0011
at Clearwater, FL
Pinellas Periodontics
at Clearwater
3003 Enterprise Rd E
Clearwater, FL 33759
(727) 799-4492
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Palm Harbor
2711 Tampa Rd.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 786-1631
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Spring Hill
4372 Commercial Way
Spring Hill, FL 34606
(352) 596-6804
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Tampa
11940 Sheldon Rd
Tampa, FL 33626
(727) 877-0011
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Trinity
8845 Hawbuck St
Trinity, FL 34655
(727) 375-0469
COST OF GUM GRAFTING
The cost of gum grafting will depend on a variety of factors, including what type of graft is used, the severity of your case, what type of dental sedation is used, and (if applicable) your dental insurance plan coverage. At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we are committed to providing you with high-quality oral care in a manner that is simple and efficient. To help meet your unique budget and needs, we offer the following financing options:
- Carecredit® Healthcare Financing (interest-free financing for dental care)
- GreenSky® Patient Financing
- Lending Club Patient Financing
We also accept traditional insurance, and as a courtesy to you, we are happy to file and track your insurance claim and assist with insurance family plans. To help facilitate this process, please have your insurance information prepared at your appointment, including your insurance and identification card. To help you maximize your benefits, we are also happy to provide a written diagnostic report and X-rays to your insurance company if necessary.
Please note: Dental insurance only covers part of your total expenses, and remaining out-of-pocket expenses must be paid following service. We accept cash, debit cards, and most major credit cards (MasterCard, VISA, Discover, American Express).
Contact Coastal Jaw Surgery
At Coastal Jaw Surgery, our goal is to improve your oral health, restore the function and appearance of your smile, and support your overall quality of life.
Whether you are receiving oral surgery, dental implants, or periodontal treatment, you can feel confident knowing your care is guided by professionals who remain closely involved in advancements within implant dentistry, periodontics, and oral surgery.
To learn more about our practice and services or to schedule an appointment for a gum grafting consultation, contact us today at (800) 639-5665 or complete our online form.