Gum Grafting Waterloo
A gum graft (also known as a gingival graft or periodontal plastic surgery), is a collective name for surgical periodontal procedures that aim to cover an exposed tooth root surface with grafted oral tissue.
Exposed tooth roots are usually the result of gingival recession due to periodontal disease. There are other common causes, including overly aggressive brushing and trauma.
Here are some of the most common types of gum grafting:
- Free gingival graft – This procedure is often used to thicken gum tissue. A layer of tissue is removed from the palate and relocated to the area affected by gum recession. Both sites will quickly heal without permanent damage.
- Subepithelial connective tissue graft – This procedure is commonly used to cover exposed roots. Tissue is removed fairly painlessly from the outer layer of the palate and relocated to the site of gum recession.
- Acellular dermal matrix allograft – This procedure uses medically processed, donated human tissue as a tissue source for the graft. The advantage of this is procedure is that there is no need for a donor site from the patient’s palate (and thus, less pain).
Reasons for Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is a common periodontal procedure. Though the name might sound frightening, the procedure is commonly performed with excellent results.
Here are some of the major benefits associated with gum grafting:
- Reduced sensitivity – When the tooth root becomes exposed, eating or drinking hot or cold foods can cause extreme sensitivity to the teeth. Gum grafting surgery permanently covers the exposed root, helps reduce discomfort, and restores the good health of the gums.
- Improved appearance – Periodontal disease is characterized by gum recession and inflammation. Gum recession and root exposure can make the teeth look longer than normal and the smile to appear “toothy.” Gum grafting can make the teeth look shorter, more symmetrical and generally more pleasing to look at. In addition, adjacent tissue can be enhanced and augmented during the procedure for aesthetic purposes.
- Improved gum health – Periodontal disease can progress and destroy gum tissue very rapidly. If left untreated, a large amount of gum tissue can be lost in a short period of time. Gum grafting can help halt tissue and bone loss; preventing further problems and protecting exposed roots from further decay.
What Does Gum Grafting Treatment Involve?
Once the need for gum grafting surgery has been determined, there are several treatments the dentist will want perform before gum grafting takes place. First, the teeth must be thoroughly cleaned supra and subgingivally to remove calculus (tartar) and bacteria. The dentist can also provide literature, advice and educational tools to increase the effectiveness of homecare and help reduce the susceptibility of periodontal disease in the future.
The gum grafting procedure is usually performed under local anesthetic. The exact procedure will depend much on whether tissue is coming from the patient’s palate or a tissue bank.
Initially, small incisions will be made at the recipient site to create a small pocket to accommodate the graft. Then a split thickness incision is made and the connective tissue graft is inserted into the space between the two sections of tissue. The graft is usually slightly larger than the recession area, so some excess will be apparent.
Sutures are often placed to further stabilize the graft and to prevent any shifting from the designated site. Surgical material is used to protect the surgical area during the first week of healing. Uniformity and healing of the gums will be achieved in approximately six weeks.
Gum Grafting in Waterloo – Restore Your Gum Health
If your gums are starting to recede or your teeth feel more sensitive than usual, gum grafting might be worth looking into. At Trillium Dental Centre, we provide periodontics in Waterloo focused on protecting your gums and keeping your smile healthy long term. Call your Waterloo dentist at 519-746-4000 to book a consultation.
If you have any questions about gum grafting, please ask your dentist.
What to Expect During Gum Grafting
Gum grafting (also called gingival grafting) covers exposed tooth roots and restores gum tissue lost to recession. The procedure adds tissue to areas where the gum has receded — often because of aggressive brushing, periodontal disease, thin gum tissue genetically, or trauma from orthodontic forces.
There are three common techniques. Connective tissue grafting takes a thin layer of tissue from under the surface of the palate and tunnels it under the gum at the recession site. Free gingival grafting uses a strip of tissue directly from the palate to thicken thin gum tissue. Pedicle (lateral) grafting rotates adjacent gum tissue to cover the recession without using palatal tissue. For larger areas, donor (allograft) or synthetic tissue products may be used instead of your own tissue.
The procedure takes 60 to 90 minutes under local anaesthetic. The palate donor site (when used) is protected with a stent and heals over two to three weeks; the recipient site heals progressively over several weeks to months. We see you back at one week, two weeks, one month, and three months.
Who Is a Candidate for Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is considered when:
- Visible gum recession is causing cosmetic concerns
- Exposed roots have become persistently sensitive to cold or touch
- Recession is progressing despite improved brushing technique
- The remaining attached gum tissue is too thin to maintain stability around an implant or restoration
- Root surface exposure is putting the tooth at risk of root decay
Patients with active periodontal disease need the disease stabilized first. Smoking impairs healing significantly — we discuss cessation. Bruxism (grinding) that's driving the recession needs to be addressed; otherwise the graft may fail or recession recurs. We evaluate the underlying cause at the consultation, not just the visible recession.
Healing and Aftercare
Most patients return to office work within 1 to 2 days. Expect moderate discomfort for the first three to five days — particularly at the palate donor site if one was used. Prescription pain medication is provided for the first day or two; over-the-counter ibuprofen handles things after that. A cold compress on the cheek during the first 24 hours reduces swelling.
Soft diet for the first week (eggs, yogurt, pasta, soup, mashed potatoes), avoiding the surgical area entirely. No brushing or flossing on the graft site for the first two weeks — we provide a prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash to use instead. Avoid pulling the lip down to look at the area; the early healing tissue is fragile.
Visible healing is gradual. The graft takes on its final color and texture over two to three months. Final cosmetic assessment is at the 3-month follow-up; root coverage outcomes vary by recession depth, technique, and individual healing — we discuss realistic expectations at the consultation.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Gum grafting fees depend on the technique used, the size of the area treated, and whether donor tissue or synthetic substitutes are used. We follow the current Ontario Dental Association (ODA) Suggested Fee Guide and provide a written estimate at the consultation.
Gum grafting is generally covered under major services on extended dental insurance plans — typically 50% reimbursement, subject to your annual maximum. Cosmetic grafting (purely for appearance with no functional concern) may be excluded by some plans; we submit predetermination so you know in advance. The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers some periodontal surgical procedures for eligible patients.
Gum Grafting — Frequently Asked Questions
Will the graft completely cover the exposed root?
Sometimes yes, sometimes partial. Coverage outcomes depend on the recession depth, the adjacent tissue support, the technique used, and individual healing. For moderate recession with adjacent support, complete coverage is often achievable. For deep recession or recession that crosses anatomical landmarks, partial coverage with significant improvement in tissue thickness is a realistic goal.
How long does the graft last?
A successful graft becomes integrated tissue and is generally stable long-term — comparable to your other gum tissue. Recurrence of recession is possible if the underlying cause (aggressive brushing, grinding, orthodontic forces) isn't addressed. We coach on cause prevention as part of the post-op plan.
Will the palate donor site hurt?
The donor site is usually the most uncomfortable part of the recovery. Prescribed pain medication for the first day or two handles it; OTC ibuprofen suffices after. A custom stent or palatal protection plate (some clinicians use one; we do for larger donors) significantly reduces discomfort and protects the area during eating.
Are there alternatives to using my own tissue?
Yes. Donor allograft tissue (processed from cadaveric donors) and synthetic membranes are increasingly used as alternatives to palatal tissue — avoiding the donor-site discomfort. We discuss at the consultation which option fits your specific case and preferences.
Will it look natural?
Yes — typically. Connective tissue grafts integrate well and produce a color and texture match similar to surrounding tissue. Free gingival grafts can look slightly different from surrounding tissue (sometimes paler), which may matter cosmetically in the front of the mouth. We choose the technique based on visibility and your priorities.