Gum Graft

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Gum Graft………….?
   when i had my tooth extracted for a dental implant, my gum on the tooth next to the one i had extracted receeded slightly probably due to bone loss (i had to have a bone graft for the implant).

   will a gum graft sort out the area where my gum has receeded slightly, i won’t have to have another bone graft will if i want to correct it?

   its every so slighty its receeded, noones ever said anything but i am aware of it and its irrating me.

   thanks for your help.

   • ANSWER:
     gum recession is a natural process. it is usually expected when you reach age 40 but can also be seen in younger people. bone resorption also happens gradually but continuously whenever a tooth is lost. the best way to minimize this is through good oral hygiene practices.

     yes, it can be corrected but but do not expect it to last forever as it may deteriorate slowly over time and the procedure may have to be repeated if you are really meticulous about it. while implants are a good replacement for lost teeth, nothing beats the real thing. this should be a lesson learned that you should teach and practice.

2. QUESTION:
   Is it normal for gum graft tissue to be loose a week and a half after surgery?
   I had Gum Graft surgery about a week and a half ago, and I had to get my stitches removed after a week because they became loose. Everything appears to be healing well, but in one area the new tissue is still loose. Is this normal?

   • ANSWER:
     No its not, go see your dr asap

3. QUESTION:
   Can you have a gum graft over a dental implant?
   For example, if you get an implant but because of previous years of gum recession, the implant is visible through your ‘thin’ gums, can you get a graft over it?

   I know I should talk to a dentist but at the moment, I am unable to.

   • ANSWER:
     i had an implant and the only gum graft i remember is to fill in the
     recession of the gums where they’re receding. guess what porceline works.

4. QUESTION:
   How long does it take for a gum graft to heal?
   I had a gum graft on Tuesday and it’s still sore. The roof of my mouth is the worst part, whenever I take a sip of something or eat something soft it hurts. And my lower inner lip is cut all the way around, under my lower gum. Was that supposed to happen?
   Anyways, I’m wondering how long it is until I can eat solid food like pizza, steak, pasta, etc?
   Thanks!
   And the glue from the top of my mouth is coming off, is that supposed to be happening already?

   • ANSWER:
     2/3 weeks for the cut to heal and the graft to take…..and then 6/8 weeks for the swelling to go down……yes, it is okay if the pack is coming off now…….

5. QUESTION:
   I need to have a gum graft but would also like my teeth whitened. Which should I do first?
   I require a lot of work done on my teeth, some seals, composite, permanent retainer removal (with possible reapplication of a wire retainer), teeth whitening, root planning (gum cleaning) and gum graft. I am thinking of having it all done in Thailand but am not sure if I can have all these procedures done at the same time in such close proximity timewise. Can anyone give me some advice?
   Thanks

   • ANSWER:
     If you want real teeth whitening products that do actually work ( my own experience )
     then take a look at www.myteethblog.com

6. QUESTION:
   Has anyone had a successful gum graft?
   I have had a gum graft done on one tooth due to receeding gums. It didn’t take and my dentist wants to try it again. Am I wasting my time?

   • ANSWER:
     If the recession doesn’t bother you, then yeah you would be wasting your money.

     If the recession does bother you then you might want to see another dentist or a specialist. Some procedures work well in some people’s hand, whereas some procedures don’t.
     Not saying anything against your dentist, just that maybe he might be better at other procedures, just not gingival grafts.

7. QUESTION:
   I am suppose to get a gum graft how long does it take before I can speak normal?
   I am suppose to go in to get a gum graft on one of my bottom molars. I am sooo afraid! This procedure sounds painful! I am going in on Thursday. I do not work Thurs-Sunday. My question here is will I be able to work on Monday? My job consists of speaking to people (teaching and some phone calls). Some of these posts make it sound as if I will not be able to speak very well for a couple of weeks! Should I cancel my appointment?

   • ANSWER:
     i had this done last thursday the 24th with a normal anasthetic. It is basically pain-free whilst the surgeon/peridontist is operating however, the top of my mouth bled for a quite a while afterwards – A handy tip with the bleeding is to use a moist teabag and hold it on the roof of the mouth with pressure for about 10 mins and the bleeding will stop. The top of the mouth will feel like you have bitten into a hot pie and been burnt. The burning sensation only started after about 3 days. Use an ointment called xylocaine jelly – you can buy it from most pharmacy/chemists and it totaly numbs the area for about an hour so just keep re-applying. Be very gentle with the grafted area afterwards as it is very tender and can you can easily damage the graft, just take everything the surgeon tells you (mouthsalts and mouthwash) and it will be fine. good luck!

8. QUESTION:
   Can you get a gum graft over an implant site?
   I have an implant (I did get a bone graft as well) and my only problem is, because of years of recession, the gums around my implant site are higher up than the rest of my gums. I want to even this out. Would a gum graft be possible? I just want a gum graft over my crown on the implant site to make my smile look more even. Is that possible?

   • ANSWER:
     I believe it is as long as you had good bone heigth as well. I would check woth your periodontist. If not, you could have the crown and the implant abutment replaced with a new porcelain type abutment that makes it look like a tooth rather than the metal.

9. QUESTION:
   How do I know if something is wrong with my gum graft?
   It is very red where the graft is, I had it done 2 weeks ago and got the stitches out last week. The gums on the opposite side of the tooth from where the graft is look blotchy and swollen, and when I poked at them with my finger they bled a ton. They also seem to have kind of pulled away from the tooth. I am very scared, please help!

   • ANSWER:
     Healing in the graft site will take many weeks. It is important not to “poke” at it or brush the area aggressively. If you are concerned about the area, it would be best to see the dentist who did the graft ASAP. It is difficult to diagnose over the internet. Once again, do not play with it, poke at it, stretch it out, etc. Also, eat soft foods and do gentle rinsing and brushing until you can see the dentist. Grafting is great once the entire process is over, but the healing process is long, annoying, and sometimes painful.

10. QUESTION:
    What to expect after a gum graft?
    I’m getting a gum graft of one of my molars this week. How much will it hurt? How long will I be out for? When can I start drinking beer and eating solid food again? Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      hi, your specialist is probably removing the tissue from the roof of your mouth. after that’s done your bone is exposed so yes it will be painful. breathing in air will not be fun so drinking beer probably not a good idea until your palate(roof of your mouth) heals. ask for pain pills. good news is the graft will probably feel better then your palate. down time is not an issue you can probably go to work the next day, depending on your pain pills and your line of work that is. your having a gum graft done which tells me you care about your teeth. so take care of your surgery sites the way your specialist tells you to and you’ll be fine. no dramas, no stress. good luck

11. QUESTION:
    How expensive is a gum graft?
    I just spoke with a dentist and I have gum recession on my back molar from an infection that existed a few years ago before I got my wisdom tooth pulled. Now he’s talking about maybe treating it with a gum graft. I was curious if anyone has had this procedure done? He wants to send me to a specialist and before I go, I’m curious does anyone have a ballpark figure of how much these things cost.

    • ANSWER:
      My son had it done about a year ago & I think it was around 0. Insurance didn’t cover it, either.

12. QUESTION:
    What is the cost of a gum graft?
    I have a receding gum line on my bottom two front teeth, and I’m sure I’m going to need a gum graft. Does anyone know how much it costs to have it done? I don’t have insurance.

    • ANSWER:
      I don’t know where they went to but they are not that painful. It is no worse than a pizza or coffee burn. I helps if the periodontist uses what is called a “Dressing”, it’s a putty type product that covers the area to bandade it.
      At our office it runs about 1150 to 1300 per area (1-3 teeth), there are a few different kinds of tissue grafts.

13. QUESTION:
    Has anyone ever had a gum graft procedure done, if so how painful was it?
    My dentist just told me i need to get a gum grafting procedure done because my gums are receding after i got my braces removed.
    I am SO scared that it’s gonna hurt like a biatch (my mouth is sensitive) has anyone ever had one done? How bad was the pain and how long did it last?

    • ANSWER:
      The only thing that will hurt during the procedure is the anesthetic’s pin prick. After that it will be painless. Post op pain will be less than an extraction but you may need some mild pain pills and have dietary restrictions for a week or so. Good luck and don’t lose any sleep over this.

14. QUESTION:
    Does a Gum Graft have to be done by a Periodontist?
    My Orthodontist told me I need a gum graft before he will put braces on me. He said when he was a dentist he did the procedure many times. My dentist is telling me to go to a periodontist, but the wait is 1 year to get a consultation. I notice in my city that many Dentists advertise that they do the procedure. Has anyone out there had it done by a Dentist?? What were your results??

    • ANSWER:
      I would go to the periodontist. They are specialists who do these types of procedures daily. A general dentist can clean your teeth, but a hygienist does it daily and has had more specific training. You wouldn’t go to your general doctor for knee surgery even if they have done it before, you see a specialist who has had training and does the procedure daily. I am sure that there is another periodontist who can see you sooner; a one year wait is not acceptable! Perhaps it is because you live in a small area and there are not a lot of periodontists.

      Here’s another wayn to think of it, if you own a BMW700series, do you take it to your local mom and pop mechanic who know the basics of fixing cars, or do you go to the BMW dealership who specializes in your specific type of car? Hope this helps

15. QUESTION:
    I need a dental teaching Hospital that discounts gum graft surgery.?
    I am in need of major gum grafting and have no insurance to cover this work. I would like to go to a dental teaching hospital where this surgery will be discounted.

    • ANSWER:
      Depends on your geographic location. Google dental schools in your area and go from there.

16. QUESTION:
    how long is a procedure for a gum graft?
    i need a graft over bottom teeth 24&25 and a frendectomy? i am planning to be put to sleep ( not twilight ) how long will this take?

    • ANSWER:
      The actual procedure will take 45 minutes to an hour. Good luck with yours.

17. QUESTION:
    Can you smoke after a gum graft?
    I had my gum graft this morning, pain free, but was wondering if I can smoke and how much i can smoke a day?

    • ANSWER:
      I would suggest that you refrain as much as possible. Why would you want to do anything that could possibly complicate the procedure you just went through? Good Luck

18. QUESTION:
    Is it possible to have gum graft around the gumline of the crown without removing the crown?

    The crown looks good but there’s a tiny recession above it. I dont want my expensive permanent crown to be removed.

    • ANSWER:
      Yes, in most cases. I really depends on the condition of the crown, the location and the reason the graft is being performed. If the dentist recommends you replace it, it is usually for a good reason. If the crown in cosmetically unappealing and in the front, it is a great time to replace it. Usually the permanent crown is not done until the gum graft has had a chance to heal. This is so the area where the crown meets the gum will be less likely to be visible. Usually a temporary crown is worn during the healing time and once healing appears complete (usually one to two months), then an impression for the final crown can be done. If not enough time has elapsed for healing, then the cosmetic appearance of the new crown can be jeopardized.

19. QUESTION:
    How bad is a gum graft? Is it better to be awake or asleep during it?
    I’ve looked up on google and there’s horror stories about it going wrong. I have to have it next Wednesday and to be honest, I’m scared. They won’t be giving me an IV to put me under because the stupid insurance will not cover it. So, they’re giving me shots in my mouth, and then giving me medicine (the nurse compared it to alchohal). Oh and they will be giving me laughing gas as well..
    And they also said that I should fall asleep.

    Any advice? Tips?

    • ANSWER:
      It’s always better to be “out” for any kind of gum work. General anesthetic would be preferable, but if they give you Lidocaine and Nitrous Oxide, you should be fine. There’s a good chance you will fall asleep, and even if you don’t you’ll be so out of it you’ll hardly feel it — IF you feel it at all. One word of warning, however: Make sure you have someone else to take you home. You will be in no condition to drive for at least three hours.

20. QUESTION:
    how much is a gum graft at uic dental school?
    I need to know how much is a gum graft at UIC dental school or the cheapest place to get one in Chicago

    • ANSWER:
      Call the school and ask, they will know best.

21. QUESTION:
    Braces vs. Gum Graft procedure in terms of expenditure?
    I am taking orthodontic treatment for the last 11 months. I will go through gum graft procedure for receded gums after teeth become aligned.
    I want to know what is the cost of gum graft procedure and its success rate. Thank you very much for your time

    • ANSWER:
      Success rate, with a gum graft procedure, is very very high. In fact, I worked for a dental specialist for ten years who performed a VERY large amount of gum grafts, and never saw one fail.

      That said, the typical cost for a graft can be anywhere from 0 right on up to about 00, depending on the size of the area and the type of graft (grafts can be simple or complex, large or small, so that has something to do with having such a wide price range).

      Since you worded it “gum graft vs. braces” I thought I’d point out that braces and grafting are done for separate reasons, and one cannot be substituted for the other (generally, they both need to be performed). However, I’m guessing you already know this based on the way you worded the rest of the question, just wanted to make sure

22. QUESTION:
    Is it ok to use salt water rinses after gum graft surgery?
    will it damage the graft, or is it fine to use?

    Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      The dentist should have given you Chlorexidine 0,12% mouthrince. Use that instead; its better.

      Else, yes you can use salt water, but with very little salt 1 TEA spoon in a cup of water. Its just to make the water as salted as the cell growing there, not to irritate those.

23. QUESTION:
    I had a tiny receded gum around my crown. Is it possible to have gum graft without removing my crown?
    –No sensivity on my tooth
    –The tooth had undergone root canal 8 years ago.
    –The old PFM crown was removed and replaced to a new all porcelain crown.

    • ANSWER:
      ask a periodontist

24. QUESTION:
    What happens if my gum graft stiches move when i touch them?
    ok i know your not suppose to touch them but i felt one of them move and i looked at the mirror and i could move one up and down. Its still there and i think still connected? this is my tenth day with them & 3 days ago i went to the dentist and he said everything was going perfect. i dont know the stich could move before but im sorta scared. what should i do??

    • ANSWER:

25. QUESTION:
    What happens if a stitch falls out of your mouth three days after a gum graft surgery?
    It fell out in the front lower half of my mouth.

    • ANSWER:
      If the graft is still in place, and/or there are other stitches holding the rest of the graft, you’re probably ok. Especially if there’s no bleeding. Call the doctor and ask them.

26. QUESTION:
    How long does it take for a Gum Graft to mature fully?
    I’m in 6 weeks + so far, they still look kinda light pink in comparison to my normal gums

    • ANSWER:
      Hello, The color of a gum tissue graft doesn’t necessarily indicate the level of healing. Once the graft has totally healed it may or may not exactly match the surrounding tissue.
      The Denture Pro.

27. QUESTION:
    how well does the donor area heal after a gum graft surgery?
    will i be stuck with a hole where the donor area is for life, or will scar tissue grow?

    • ANSWER:
      the amazing thing about the mouth is that the tissue in it will regenerate back to normal. scarring in the mouth is rare; unless your periodontist/dentist took your graft all the way to the level of bone (which isn’t indicated), you should heal just fine. just so that you’re aware your palate will take some time to heal, so some discomfort in that area is to be expected.

28. QUESTION:
    After 1 week of having Gum Graft Surgery my friend states she has really bad breath. Is this normal?
    My friend just had gum graft surgery and she is on her 2nd week now. The Dr. has asked for her not to brush near the surgery area and to only use the mouth was prescribed. She is complaining that she has a very strong breath odor and thinks it may be due to the surgery. Is this common? She still has bandages on the wounds and I told her that this will go away eventually. Will it? Thanks

    • ANSWER:

29. QUESTION:
    how many gum tissue graft per teeth can dentist do in one setting?
    Graft one tooth at a time or multiples? How long does it takes to recover?

    • ANSWER:
      about a month

30. QUESTION:
    I had a gum graft and one of the stitches fell out. Should I be worried?
    The surgery was done three days ago, and the stitch fell out in the bottom front tooth of my mouth. I was supposed to have the stitches taken out this coming Thursday, so I’m worried. I haven’t been doing anything wrong. Advice?

    • ANSWER:
      If there is no bleeding, then the phrenum has heeled enough to not worry about one suture falling out. However if you start to bleed or you see that the tissue has spread open, by all means let them know so they can put a whip stitch in. Feel Better.

31. QUESTION:
    Are deep cleanings,pocket reductions from a periodontist good alternatives for Gum Tissue graft?
    I’ve researched tissue graft and it’s expensive painful and scary, are deep cleanings, scaling,pocket reductions good alternatives for tissue graft?

    • ANSWER:
      Deep cleaning is done to remove all of the tartar stuck underneath the gums.

      Without getting a clean foundation whatever you do will fail.

      Pocket reductions are done when you already have a lot of bone loss due to tartar deposit.

      That means your bone (foundation) has gotten shrunken. However, the gum tissue has stayed fluffy / bulky. As a result it forms a pocket / flap that collects food particles.

      The treatment of the is to remove the excess tissue so that the area can remain self-cleansing. This is what is known as a pocket reduction surgery.

      On the other hand, a gum tissue graft is needed when there is recession of the tissue. In other words, when the gum has receded, causing exposure of the root surfaces of the teeth.

      In this situation a section of tissue is gathered from the palate / roof of the mouth and implanted on the deficient area.

      So, you can understand that each procedure is done for completely opposite reasons. One can never be an alternative for each other.

      I hope that was clear enough.

32. QUESTION:
    Even when insurance will only pay for 1 tooth for a gum graft, if 2 teeth in a row both need grafts, how shoul?
    how should a periodontist bill this — as 1 tooth or 2 teeth?

    • ANSWER:
      If two teeth need gum grafts, then I would ask them if they would pay for both. If they won’t pay for both, then pay for the 2nd one out of your own pocket. What else are you going to do?

33. QUESTION:
    My dentist recommended I get Alloderm gum graft. What is the rate of success for this k procedure?
    I have some deep pockets in my gum 5mm – 9mm

    • ANSWER:

34. QUESTION:
    Just had a gum graft, I think something’s wrong?
    I had gum grafting surgery yesterday, and the periodontist put some purplish glue in my mouth around the area he worked on. About an hour ago, about 30 hours after surgery, a big chunk of the glue just came off. Is this normal? I don’t want this whole ordeal to be for nothing. Thanks. Ask any further questions and I’ll respond in the additional comments section.

    • ANSWER:
      The mouth is a very vascular area (lots of blood flow to the tissues) and therefore heals quickly. Unless the graft itself is coming “undone” you should be fine. The acid in your saliva will wear away the “glue” that he used…that is normal. Just go really easy. Obviously, don’t brush in the area yet. Only warm, gentle rinses. NO HARSH MOUTHWASH. Warm water, saltwater is good, too. Stick with a soft diet and chew anything you have to on the other side. If you smoke….DON’T.
      If there is a lot of bleeding, call the dentist (he should have an emergency number)…
      Other than that, I would ask him to check it out Monday just to make sure it looks okay.

      Good Luck!!

35. QUESTION:
    please help, I had a gum graft 6 days ago and its bleeding a lot?
    I had a gum tissue graft to cover missing gum tissue on 2 lower teeth. I had to get the tissue from the TOP of my mouth. Last night it started beeding on top, a LOT and Im worried today. the periodontist is closed, can someone please tell me if this is normal ? I can feel the stiches still in my mouth, not sure if I moved them somehow and now I have a weird taste in my mouth too ….Can you let me know if this is normal after 6 days ? Im worried …thanks so much

    • ANSWER:
      Man, this proceedure is a drag. Do you still have the packing on the palate? Did you take it off before you were supposed to?

      Chances are you are not bleeding as much as you think you are. When the blood mixes with spit, it looks like way more than it is.

      Take some crushed ice in a dishtowel and hold it against the wound on the palate. That should relieve swelling and lessen the bleeding.

      Do whatever the dds instructed for after-care. Did he recommend certain rinses to use? If you use salt water, keep the ration 1/8 tsp to 1 cup water. Do not use hydrogen peroxide as this interferes with new tissue development.

36. QUESTION:
    I’m getting a gum graft, and I’m really scared?
    First, I only need the graft for one tooth, my bottom one

    So, questions:
    First of all, does it hurt at ALL during the surgery
    Do you have to have the roof of your mouth cut for the new gum tissue, or is there any other way
    If so, does it cost extra?
    Does getting the stitches hurt?
    How long for recovery (getting the stitches out–or are they the dissolving kind?–, and the roof of your mouth
    How many follow-up appointments do you need
    Is it painful after the surgery
    I also want to know how much it will cost all in all.

    • ANSWER:
      I’m going to be honest… I observed the gum graft surgery where they removed the tissue from the roof of the mouth. It was very bloody and sloppy. I had to go to the bathroom and splash water on my face because I seriously thought I was going to faint.
      But, you are numb, so you’ll just feel sore afterward. the good news is, your mouth heals quickly. I am told it feels like a pizza burn on the roof of your mouth.

      Then, I took a CE (continuing education) course last year on tissue grafting with tissue from a cadaver. Very sterile process and it is fixed with a basement membrane so that your natural tissue can easily attach to it. I watched the surgery zoomed in with the camera while eating lunch, with no symptoms of nausea whatsoever . WOW! So clean, and very little bleeding. They basically loosen up the gingiva around your tooth, and simply tuck the cadaver tissue underneath and put in a couple small stitches to hold it in place.

      It does cost extra.

      You will be numb, so getting the stitches will not hurt. I believe they are the ones that dissolve on their own.

      Sorry, I don’t work for a periodontist, so I have no idea how much it costs. I was told at the CE course though that if the doctor is not experienced to where he or she can do it quickly, it is not very profitable. So, that tells you they’re not making a killing off of it.

37. QUESTION:
    How long does your mouth stop smelling after connecting gum tissue graft?
    I just did that and my mouth inside smells terribly. Any ideas on about how long it will stop??

    • ANSWER:
      I think maybe you should call the dentist. I had grafts done and never had a smelly mouth.

38. QUESTION:
    Would a gum tissue graft solve my slightly receding gumline above my dental bridge?
    This is simply for cosmetic purposes…to make my bridge look more natural. I have had my bridge for 5 yrs and it seems to be in great health. It is my gumline above it that worries me. I am askin if cosmetic gum surgery would be a good idea. Thanks!

    • ANSWER:

39. QUESTION:
    how much does a typical gum graft cost?
    2 front lower teeth……..Just got the bad news!
    I live in Northern California.

    • ANSWER:
      I got one and it was 700, they wanted to give me two which would have been cheaper, they wanted 1100 for two. My insurance paid, but if you don’t have insurance its quite a chunk of money. They sure do help though.

40. QUESTION:
    Are you put to sleep when you have a gum graft?
    i might be geeting one and i dont want to be put to sleep!

    • ANSWER:

41. QUESTION:
    Pus around bandage after gum graft?
    I had a gum graft 4 days ago and I see a little pus coming out of my bandage that covers the stitches. It’s still a little swollen although there is no pain. Is this normal? Should I call my periodontist
    He gave me Peridex which I use twice a day

    • ANSWER:
      The answerer above me means pus, not puss. I would guess he’ll instruct you to use an antibiotic mouthwash and you need to keep your mouth clean. You heard me, no cussing while you have a mouth infection.

42. QUESTION:
    How much will a gum graft cost me, in the UK, done at a University Dental Hospital?
    I need to have one and wanted to find out beforehand, I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be a lot… but wanted to know how much roughly. It wouldn’t be done private, I was referred there by my NHS dentist… looking it up on the net it says in private places it can cost around £400… hopefully it will be cheaper at this place?!

    I’m also 19 years old and a student, does this mean I’ll be able to get it cheaper?

    • ANSWER:
      I have never heard of a gum graft, so I’m really sorry I can’t help you, the price you are quoting seems very cheap for any kind of treatment. I wish you all the best and will watch the answers with interest. A gum graft will change people’s lives dramatically. Good luck.

43. QUESTION:
    Can a gum graft help stable a loose tooth?

    • ANSWER:
      A gum graft can stable a loose tooth, but can also cause further problems down the road. The point of a gum graft is to prevent future recession on any teeth that need it. If you have a loose tooth (assuming your talking about an adult tooth) then a gum graft is not the way to go as that only builds up more gum in an area that lacks it. If you build up more gum, you will still have a loose tooth with more gum around it; but there would still be all the effects like it was before; such as hard to eat, and possibly painful. If you do happen to be talking about a baby tooth, then the tooth is ready to be removed.

44. QUESTION:
    Is it possible to have a gum graft on a tooth with a crown?

    • ANSWER:
      Yes, it is but it really depends on your particular situation. Not every site is a good candidate for a “gum graft,” and the area really has to be evaluated in person to make this determination. A general dentist can often do this, however, if it is a cosmetic area, I would strongly recommend seeing a Periodontist (a gum specialist) for an evaluation. They will often need to take an x-ray of the tooth, take measurements of the gum and bone levels and evaluate the tissue for overall health and other factors which may effect the outcome of the graft.

      Good luck and hope that helps!

45. QUESTION:
    gum graft vs. wisdom tooth removal–which hurts more?
    I probably need both, but know little about the gum graft. Do most insurance companies (which cover dental care) cover gum grafts? How long/intense is the healing process? 10 pts for best answer!

    • ANSWER:
      Without more information about the size of the area to be grafted, it is hard to say which would be less painful.

      Most insurance companies have a yearly maximum for major dental procedures. As long as you have not exceeded that max you should be covered.

      The healing process for an extraction is approx 1 week, but can vary depending on what type of extraction is done. If the tooth is just pulled with no complications, a week is average. If the root tips break or are calcified to the bone, the procedure becomes more invasive and healing of course will take longer. If an oral surgeon removes the tooth, the healing can be very quick if stitches are placed.

      The grafting process sounds pretty daunting, they call it oral surgery and that can sound scary. The truth is, grafting is relatively simple procedure done by specially trained doctors. The healing from grafting again varies depending on the size of the graft, but on average is about a week.

      Discomfort from grafting is generally less than that from an extraction, but again, the type of extraction and its complications if any and the size and location of the graft are all factors that can change the healing time and the amount of discomfort.

      Consult your dentist and ask all of your questions. Express all of your concerns and never consent to a procedure you don’t fully understand.

      The office staff will be able to find out if your insurance covers the procedures and if you have enough benefit to pay for it. Sometimes, procedures that are costly can be done in stages and scheduled close the the end of a benefit year and into the beginning of the next to have the benefit cover the expense.

46. QUESTION:
    How common is gum tissue graft?
    How common is this procedures? What’s the success rate? Is it easily botch like a boob job? Are there any side effects after wards?

    I am think of doing it,but know other alternatives. thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      It is quite common. It’s not as extreme as a boob job, because it only deals with a small section of your mouth. Your dentist probably has already explained to you the possible risks and complications, like infection or the graft failing to attach. It is a good solution to the gum problem you are experiencing now and very successful.

      Hope that helps.

47. QUESTION:
    After having gum graft done do you have to pay for follow-ups ?
    e.g. having stitches removed and then next appt. to see how gums are doing.

    • ANSWER:
      Yes off course, do you think the drs time is free!!!!

48. QUESTION:
    Should gum graft be done before or after implant?
    I’m getting an implant on #9 due to fracture at the root. The gum on that tooth is higher than the others due to bad flap surgery, the Periodontist cut too much of the gum away! Should I get a gum graft before my implant? What are the success rate of a gum graft and how long does it take to heal? Any dental proffesionals, please help!

    • ANSWER:
      Before and implant in certain cases and where perforation has occured afterwards , in your case after healing has taken place

49. QUESTION:
    I got a gum graft a couple days ago and i have some questions?
    So i got a gum graft and i got a retainer for the roof of my mouth and i was wondering how long will the skin of the palate grow back and do i have to take off the retainer because it tastes bad when i take it off. And when will i be able to eat everything again?? thank you

    • ANSWER:
      2 weeks and no you must not take it off unless its for cleaning

50. QUESTION:
    Can I get rid of the black triangle through a gum graft?
    The triangle is really, really not noticeable but I have a little ocd

    • ANSWER:
      Yes is the answer to your question. But I would urge you to think about other solutions.

      The black triangle has appeared because your gums and tissues supporting your teeth have been damaged. This is know as periodontal disease.(1)Bacteria collect in the space between your tooth and gum feeding off the sugar in your mouth your body detects these bacteria and tries to get rid of them by mounting an immune responce. During this immune responce chemicals are released some of which brake down the gums and bone which support your teeth. As the condition progresses a pocket between your tooth and gum is created this provides a oxygen free environment which these bacteria love so the condition gets worse.
      You are worried by the aesthetics of your teeth but you should also be worried about the potential lack of support which these teeth may have.
      I think you should aim to treat the periodontal disease before you consider surgery which may only end up as a temporary fix.
      To treat the condition does take time (a difference can usually be seen within 3 months) and you will need to get ocd about flossing once a day to get rid of the bacteria by your gum. The dentist or hygienist can also do a procedure called RSD (root surface debridement)(2) they usually use an ultrasonic scaler below the gum and clean out the deep pockets and smooth the root. This helps the gum to reattach and helps reduce the inflammation.

      However if it is only one tooth which is affected in your mouth (rare) then maybe a gum graft may be the right option. It is invasive and expensive and it needs to be carried out by a specialist called a periodontist.

      Please go and talk to your dentist about your concerns and ask for some advice on flossing or using tepe brushes(3)….