Need a Gum Graft Surgery in King of Prussia, PA?

During your last appointment at our general dentistry clinic, the dentist told you that you need a gum graft. You are understandably worried since gum grafting is a surgical procedure. However, be not afraid: at KoP Dental™, you are in good hands.

And we will start by telling you all you need to know about gum graft surgery and its key benefits for you.

What Exactly Is a Gum Graft?

A gum graft is offered if you are suffering from gum recession or have naturally low gums. Thus, gum grafting may be necessary to correct an oral health problem or for esthetic reasons. Many people are not aware that they are suffering from this issue. However, it is quite common: up to 12% of US adults suffer from receding gums.

Thus, gum graft surgery involves inserting a bit of tissue on a receding gum to encourage it to grow back and cover the base of the tooth properly. Depending on the condition you suffer from, the dentist may recommend one of the three types of gum graft procedures:

• Connective-tissue graft: this is the most common gum restoration procedure. It involves cutting a flap of skin from the roof of the patient’s mouth in order to collect a bit of connective tissue from underneath it. The flap is stitched back and the connective tissue is surgically attached to the gum.
• Free gingival graft: this type of gum recession surgery is recommended for people with thin gums. In this case, the surgeon will remove the flap and connective tissue from the roof of the mouth and attach them to the gum.
• Pedicle gum graft: in some cases, the dental surgeon will partially cut a flap from an adjacent gum, leaving it attached to one edge and grafting it onto the receding gum.

Recovering After Gum Graft Surgery

Most patients experience bearable levels of pain after a gum graft. Your King of Prussia Dental™ Associates dentist will give you full instructions concerning:

• What you can eat – only soft and cool foods for the first one-two weeks
• How to brush and rinse your mouth
• What kind of medications you should take
• What type of physical exercise you are allowed

At the same time, you will receive instructions on when to call your dentist if you notice unusual or worrisome symptoms after gum grafting.