Aesthetic gum surgery (covering gum recession)

Soft Tissue grafting or gum grafting involves the releasing gum tissue, sometimes from the palate, and moving it or transplanting it to the affected tooth or implant.

These procedures can be done to cover a receding gum line or to cover exposed root or implant surfaces that may be sensitive to hot or cold. Soft tissue grafts are also carried out in order to reinforce thin gums.

Gum recession can be caused by brushing too hard, using a hard tooth brush or by periodontal disease. The periodontist can help you to identify the cause of the problem and instruct you on how to control it.

 

Procedure

Gum surgery is carried out under a local anaesthetic, IV sedation or a general anesthetic. Depending on the munber of teeth involved it can take from 45 minutes to 2 hours to complete the procedure. Sutures are used to keep the tissues in place, these need to be removed 7-10 days after surgery.

 

Post operative considerations

After surgery, it is important not to clean the surgical area for about 7-10 days or until the sutures have been removed. Using a mouth wash containing Chlorhexidene i.e. Curasept, Savacol, Plaquacide available from chemists), is all that is needed for keeping the area clean during this period. After this initial period of healing, gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush can be resumed. After 1-2 months normal brushing can be commenced.

 

Complications and success rates

The success of these types of procedures is very high i.e. an increased gum width and coverage. Your periodontist will let you know of the expected result.

When taking skin from the palate there are nerves and blood vessels that are close to the surgical site. Reports of damage to this area are few but encroaching on this area is possible. Post-operative bleeding is possible but can be controlled by your periodontist. If the nerves are traumatized during the surgery some numbness of the palate can occur. This is usually temporary (weeks to months) but in rare cases it can be permanent. Please speak to your periodontist if you have any queries.