Gum grafting is a specialised dental procedure that addresses receding gums, where tissue pulls away from teeth, exposing sensitive roots. At London Dental Specialists, we understand patients often have concerns about pain, recovery, longevity and cost before committing to treatment. Gum grafts can protect exposed roots, reduce sensitivity, prevent further recession and improve your smile's appearance. The procedure involves transplanting healthy tissue to areas needing coverage, typically using your own tissue for best results. While painless during the procedure thanks to local anaesthesia, some discomfort during recovery is normal. Our specialists provide comprehensive care throughout your treatment journey, from initial consultation through aftercare, ensuring optimal results that can potentially last a lifetime with proper maintenance.
What is gum grafting and why might I need it?
Gum grafting is a dental surgical procedure that treats gum recession, where your gums pull away from your teeth, exposing the tooth roots. At London Dental Specialists, we recommend gum grafting when roots become exposed, which can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, higher risk of tooth decay, and potential bone loss around teeth. The procedure involves taking healthy tissue (typically from the roof of your mouth) and attaching it to areas where gums have receded, effectively covering exposed roots and restoring your gumline.
How long does gum grafting last?
With proper care and regular dental check-ups, gum grafts can last a lifetime, particularly when using your own tissue (autogenous grafts). Tissue grafts harvested from your own mouth, such as connective tissue grafts or gingival grafts, tend to have the highest success rates and longevity. At London Dental Specialists, we provide comprehensive aftercare instructions and recommend regular follow-up appointments to ensure the long-term success of your gum graft.
Is the gum grafting procedure painful?
The gum grafting procedure itself is painless as we use local anaesthetic to numb the areas involved. Following the procedure, it's normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, or tenderness for a few days. At London Dental Specialists, we provide appropriate pain management recommendations and medications to ensure your comfort during recovery. Most patients find that any discomfort subsides within a week and can be effectively managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief.
What does gum grafting cost at London Dental Specialists?
The cost of gum grafting typically ranges from £600 to £1,200 per tooth, depending on the complexity of your case and the type of graft required. This includes the specialist periodontist's services and any necessary donor tissue. At London Dental Specialists, we provide detailed treatment plans with transparent pricing before beginning any procedure. We also offer various payment options to help make your treatment more affordable.
What are the different types of gum grafts available?
At London Dental Specialists, we offer several types of gum grafts:
- Connective tissue grafts: The most common type, where tissue is taken from under a flap cut in the roof of your mouth and stitched to the gum tissue around the exposed root.
- Free gingival grafts: Similar to connective tissue grafts, but tissue is taken directly from the roof of your mouth.
- Pedicle grafts: Tissue is grafted from gum around or near the tooth needing repair.
- Allograft material: Donor tissue that eliminates the need to take tissue from your own palate.
Our specialists will recommend the most appropriate type based on your specific needs.
What is the recovery time after gum graft surgery?
Most patients can return to light activities within 24-48 hours after gum graft surgery. Complete healing typically takes 1-2 weeks, though the graft will continue to mature for several months. During the first week, we recommend a soft food diet and gentle oral hygiene practices. At London Dental Specialists, we provide detailed recovery instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and ensure optimal results.
What should I eat after gum graft surgery?
Following gum graft surgery, we recommend a soft food diet for approximately 1-2 weeks. Ideal foods include:
- Yoghurt, pudding, and ice cream
- Mashed potatoes and other soft vegetables
- Eggs, pasta, and soft cereals
- Smoothies and protein shakes (consumed with a spoon, not a straw)
- Soup (not too hot)
Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods that could irritate the surgical site. Our team at London Dental Specialists will provide comprehensive dietary guidelines tailored to your specific procedure.
How do I care for my gums after a graft procedure?
Proper aftercare is essential for successful gum graft healing. At London Dental Specialists, we recommend:
- Avoid brushing or flossing the graft site until advised (typically 1-2 weeks)
- Rinse gently with prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash
- Take all prescribed medications as directed
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling for the first 24-48 hours
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for 2-3 days
- Don't smoke or use tobacco products, as they significantly impair healing
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
We provide detailed written instructions and are available to answer any questions during your recovery period.
Am I a good candidate for gum grafting?
You may be a good candidate for gum grafting if you have gum recession that's causing tooth sensitivity, aesthetic concerns, or putting you at risk for further dental problems. Ideal candidates have good overall health and are committed to maintaining proper oral hygiene. At London Dental Specialists, we conduct thorough examinations, including assessment of your gum health, extent of recession, and underlying causes, to determine if gum grafting is right for you. We also consider factors such as smoking status, as tobacco use can significantly impact healing and graft success.
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