What types of gum grafts are commonly done and what can you expect from this procedure?

Connective Tissue Gum Graft

For this gum graft procedure, a flap of skin is removed from the roof of your mouth in order for
your periodontist—a gum specialist—to access the connective tissue underneath. Once the
connective tissue is removed, it’s attached to the gum tissue where a tooth root is exposed.
Your oral surgeon will reattach the flap of skin removed from the roof of your mouth once the
connective tissue is used. After this, you’ll need to follow your doctor’s instructions for healing.

Free Gingival Gum Graft

Similarly to a connective tissue gum graft, tissue from the roof of the mouth is still used, but
there isn’t a need to access the connective tissue. In this procedure, the flap of skin that’s
removed will be placed directly on the affected gum tissue.

People who qualify from this procedure typically have thin or weak gum tissue and will need
this flap of skin to supplement and strengthen the existing gum tissue in addition to covering
the exposed tooth root.

Pedicle Gum Graft

During a pedicle gum graft, gum tissue is actually removed near the tooth that needs the graft.
Only people who have enough existing gum tissue near the affected tooth are candidates for
this gum grafting procedure.

For a pedicle gum graft, only part of the gum tissue is cut while the other part remains
attached. The gum tissue is then pulled over the exposed root to cover and protect it and is
then attached into place.

What to Expect During a Gum Graft

The name gum graft is worse than it sounds, as the procedure is relatively simple. Local
anesthesia will be used unless you arrange otherwise before the procedure. The procedure
itself typically doesn’t take much time, and you’ll be able to return to your normal activities the
next day.

Your oral surgeon may provide you with a list of suggested foods for the next week or two while
your mouth heals. Typically, softer foods are suggested and can help facilitate faster healing of
your gum tissue. Full recovery time can be expected in approximately two weeks. Be sure to
follow any instructions your doctor gives you for after the procedure!

Only a professional dentist or periodontist can tell you if you need a gum graft. Typically, gum
grafts are reserved for people who have experienced gum disease and gum recession as a
result. Since gum recession can be unsightly and painful, gum grafts can help many people to
regain healthy gum tissue and protect their tooth roots!

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A gum graft involves removing tissue from the roof of the mouth and attaching it to the gum around the exposed tooth root. There are two types of gum grafts that take tissue from the roof of the mouth; which type a patient undergoes depends on several factors. The most common type is called a connective-tissue graft, which takes tissue from under a flap that is cut in the roof of the mouth. The flap is then closed, and the tissue that was taken is applied to the area around the exposed tooth root. A similar procedure, called a free-gingival graft, takes tissue directly from the roof of the mouth. This procedure is usually performed when the patient needs extra tissue to build up their gums in addition to covering exposed tooth roots.

A pedicle gum graft does not take tissue from the roof of the mouth, but takes it from near the tooth that is being treated. A flap of tissue is cut and stretched to cover the exposed tooth root. A pedicle graft can only be done if there is a tooth next to the tooth to be treated that has enough gum tissue to spare.

Gum recession does not have to be a natural part of getting older. Practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice a day and seeing the dentist for regular checkups can prevent the problems that can lead to gum recession. Sometimes gum recession is genetic or caused by hormones or other factors we can’t control, but good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet and not smoking can help to keep your gums healthy.

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