Gingival graft

What is a gingival graft?

Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that involves using tissue from the patient’s own palate (most recommended), or synthetic, and placing it where the roots of the teeth have been exposed by receding gum. The dentist will use local anesthesia to treat the affected area, on which a protective cover will be placed after the graft has been made, which will be removed approximately one week later.

What is a gum graft used for?

This technique reduces the chances of losing teeth and provides protection to the roots. It also reduces sensitivity to thermal changes and improves the appearance or aesthetics of the smile. After the operation the patient may notice some discomfort in the gum or in the area from which the tissue for the graft was extracted. Normally this pain disappears after one or two weeks.

A gingival graft can reduce sensitivity and improve the esthetic appearance.

Types of gum grafts

It will be the specialist who will decide which is going to be the appropriate treatment in each particular case. Among the types of grafts there are:

– Connective tissue graft: to carry it out, a piece of palate is cut and the subepithelial connective tissue is separated, so that it sticks to the gum surrounding the exposed tooth. Subsequently, the palate tissue is replaced in its initial place.

– Free gingival graft: in this case the entire tissue is used in patients with gums that are too thin and require additional tissue.

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– Pedicled gingival graft: tissue is taken from the gum surrounding the tooth that needs to be restored. The tissue called pedicle is partially cut and then sewn. It is a technique that is only used in patients with a lot of material around the tooth.

Results of a gum graft

After covering the root of the tooth, it is possible to protect it by isolating it from the outside, reduce or eliminate excess sensitivity and improve the esthetic appearance.