Gum Reconstruction

In the most common type of gum tissue graft, known as the connective tissue graft, the dentist would cut a flap of skin at the roof of the mouth, and then take tissue from under that flap and stitch it to gum tissue around the exposed root of a tooth. Once the connective tissue has been removed, the flap would be re-stitched in place.

It will generally take at least one week and possibly two to recover from a gum tissue graft. After this time has passed, you’ll need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your periodontist so he/she can be sure you have healed properly, and that the graft has been successful. In another two weeks, you’ll be able to brush and floss your teeth like normal, and resume all your regular oral hygiene habits.

You should call your dentist right away after a gum tissue graft, if you experience any symptoms which would be considered unusual. These would include bleeding which persists even after you’ve applied pressure to the area, excessive pain, excessive swelling, and any bruising which appears to be more extensive than your dentist predicted.

Depending on where you live in the country, and the qualifications of your dental professional, you can expect gum tissue grafts to cost somewhere between $600 and $3,000 per tooth. Since periodontists are dental specialists, this may cause the cost to be elevated. The higher amount will generally come into play when it is necessary to perform any kind of gum contouring during the gum tissue graft. However, in many cases your dental insurance will cover at least part of this cost, and it may even cover the full amount.

To be sure that a gum tissue graft is called for, you’ll need to consult with your dentist. He/She will review your medical history, and try to identify the cause of your receding gum line, so the appropriate measures can be taken. You will probably experience some level of sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages while you’re waiting for the gum tissue graft to be performed. Your dentist will recommend specific steps which can help alleviate this sensitivity until the day arrives when your graft procedure is to be performed.

To take advantage of the most experienced staff of specialists, you should contact us at Ammons Dental by Design, so we can work with you to have the gum tissue graft performed in a painless and comfortable manner. We have performed this kind of procedure many times in the past with great success, so you can be confident that we’ll manage the circumstances of your procedure with the utmost skill and professionalism. Don’t force yourself to tolerate sensitivity from exposed tooth roots anymore – contact us and take the first step toward successful management of that discomfort.