Gum Grafting Surgery in Yorkville, Toronto
Gum grafts are an option for patients who have experienced gum recession, causing the roots and nerves of their teeth to be exposed. Our Yorkville dentist and periodontists perform gum grafts to cover these exposed areas and reduce the pain and sensitivity, or for cosmetic reasons to change the look of your smile.
Gum Grafts and Gum Surgery
Gum recession is commonly caused by gum disease, and preventing gum disease with proper oral health habits is important! However, if your gum disease has progressed to far, you may require gum graft surgery to repair the effects of gum disease. Gum recession can also be caused by genetics, smoking, illnesses or even brushing too hard.
There are three types of gum grafts that are generally performed:
- Connective-tissue graft. The dentist or periodontist creates a flap of tissue in the roof of your mouth (or pallet) and takes tissue from under that flap. Then the flap is closed up, and the tissue grafted over the area of exposed root. This is the most common type of gum graft.
- Free gingival grafts are similar to connective tissue grafts, but instead of using a flap of tissue on the roof of your mouth, the periodontist or dentist uses a small amount of tissue from the roof of your mouth directly. This is often used in cases where the patients has thin gums to begin with and a ticker layer of tissue is needed.
- Pedicle grafts use gum tissue from around the tooth affected or a nearby tooth. A flap of tissue is created then pulled down over the exposed area. This can only be done when the patient has a lot of gum tissue near the affected tooth.
How long does it take to heal from a gum graft surgery?
Though your healing time will vary depending on the amount of treatment required and your overall health, you can generally expect to heal within one to two weeks.
Our team will discuss your after care and healing timeline with you during your appointment.
