Gum Grafting

If your gums are receding and you are experiencing an increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, you may need a gum graft. Gum grafting involves removing a small portion of tissue from the roof of the mouth or surrounding area and reattaching it to an area of the mouth with receding gums. By doing this, we can keep your gums healthy while preventing gum disease and tooth loss.

What Kind of Treatment is This?

We can perform a gum graft for cosmetic or restorative treatments. If you feel that your teeth look too long, or your gums aren’t visible enough, we can conduct this procedure to improve the appearance of your smile.

When Is Gum Grafting Necessary?

If your gums are receding due to periodontal (gum) disease or excessively rough brushing, you may need a gum graft for medical reasons. If the gums recede too far, the tooth root may become exposed. When this happens, you might experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages. If your gums continue to recede, your teeth may become loose and eventually fall out altogether. By performing a gum graft, we can restore your gums, protect your teeth, and enhance your smile!

What is the Procedure?

To conduct a gum graft, Dr. Heller or Dr. DiDonato will need to remove a small amount of tissue from either the roof of your mouth or surrounding gums. Alternatively, your dentist may choose to source the material from a tissue bank. They will then re-attach this tissue to the area of your mouth where your gum line is receding. Over time this new tissue will merge with your existing gums. Once your mouth has healed, your gums will be stronger and healthier than before.

Before your procedure, Dr. Heller or Dr. DiDonato will inject a local anesthetic into the areas where they will be working. This will numb your mouth so you will not feel any pain during your treatment. If you are worried about your procedure, or if you experience a high level of dental anxiety, Dr. Heller or Dr. DiDonato would be happy to discuss other dental sedation options. At Oral Implants & Reconstructive Dentistry, your comfort is our top priority!

If you would like to learn more about gum grafting, please call our office at 614-885-1215. A member of our team will be happy to answer any of your questions or schedule an appointment!