Soft Tissue Grafts in St Luke's

Comprehensive Soft Tissue Grafts Consultation

At London Dental Specialists, our soft tissue grafts consultation is the crucial first step in addressing gum recession and improving your oral health. During this initial assessment, our experienced periodontists will thoroughly evaluate your gum condition and discuss the best treatment options tailored to your needs.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

• Detailed Oral Examination: Our specialists will carefully inspect your gums, teeth, and overall oral health.


• Gum Recession Assessment: We'll measure the extent of gum recession and identify areas requiring treatment.


• Medical History Review: We'll discuss your medical background to ensure the safest treatment approach.


• Treatment Options Explanation: Our team will outline the various soft tissue graft techniques available and recommend the most suitable one for you.


• Questions and Concerns: We encourage you to ask questions and voice any concerns about the procedure.

Types of Soft Tissue Grafts We Offer

Based on your individual needs, we may recommend one of the following graft types:

• Connective Tissue Grafts: Ideal for covering exposed roots and treating severe recession.


• Free Gingival Grafts: Effective for increasing the amount of thick, strong gum tissue.


• Pedicle Grafts: Suitable for treating recession in areas with ample surrounding gum tissue.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Grafts

During your consultation, we'll discuss the numerous advantages of soft tissue grafting, including:

• Reduced tooth sensitivity


• Protection against further gum recession


• Improved aesthetic appearance of your smile


• Enhanced oral health and hygiene


• Increased comfort while eating and drinking

Preparing for Your Consultation

To make the most of your soft tissue grafts consultation at London Dental Specialists:

• Bring a list of any medications you're currently taking


• Note down any questions or concerns you have about the procedure


• Be prepared to discuss your medical history in detail


• Consider bringing a friend or family member for support

Our team at London Dental Specialists is committed to providing you with the highest quality care and ensuring you feel comfortable and informed throughout your soft tissue grafting journey. Book your consultation today to take the first step towards healthier gums and a more confident smile.

Soft Tissue Grafts Custom Treatment Plan

Following your comprehensive consultation, our expert periodontists at London Dental Specialists will create a personalised soft tissue grafts treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This customised approach ensures the most effective solution for your gum recession and overall oral health.

Key Components of Your Custom Treatment Plan

• Graft Type Selection: Based on your individual case, we'll recommend the most suitable graft technique.


• Treatment Timeline: We'll outline the expected duration of your treatment, including any preparatory steps and follow-up care.


• Anaesthesia Options: Your comfort is our priority. We'll discuss the most appropriate anaesthesia for your procedure.


• Pre-operative Instructions: Detailed guidance on how to prepare for your soft tissue graft surgery.


• Post-operative Care: A comprehensive plan for optimal healing and recovery.

Advanced Techniques in Your Treatment Plan

At London Dental Specialists, we incorporate cutting-edge techniques to enhance your soft tissue grafting experience:

• Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin (APRF): This innovative approach uses your own growth factors to promote faster healing and better outcomes.


• Microsurgical Techniques: Precision instruments for minimal invasiveness and quicker recovery.


• Digital Smile Design: Advanced imaging to plan and visualise your results before treatment.

Customised Treatment Phases

Your soft tissue grafts plan may include the following phases:

1. Preparation Phase: Any necessary pre-treatment procedures, such as dental cleaning or addressing existing oral health issues.


2. Graft Procedure: The actual soft tissue grafting surgery, tailored to your specific needs.


3. Initial Recovery: Typically 1-2 weeks, with detailed aftercare instructions.


4. Follow-up Appointments: Regular check-ups to monitor healing and ensure optimal results.


5. Long-term Maintenance: Guidance on maintaining your restored gum health.

Financial Planning

We understand that financial considerations are an important part of your treatment decision. Your custom plan will include:

• A detailed breakdown of treatment costs


• Information on our flexible payment options


• Guidance on potential insurance coverage

Patient Education

Your treatment plan will also include comprehensive educational materials:

• Detailed explanations of the grafting procedure


• Before and after care instructions


• Information on maintaining long-term gum health


• Access to our patient portal for additional resources

At London Dental Specialists, we're committed to providing you with a thorough, transparent, and effective soft tissue grafts treatment plan. Our goal is to ensure you feel fully informed and confident about your journey towards healthier gums and a more radiant smile.

Soft Tissue Grafts Treatment Procedures

At London Dental Specialists, our soft tissue grafts treatment procedures are designed to effectively address gum recession and restore your oral health. Our experienced periodontists utilise advanced techniques to ensure optimal results and patient comfort throughout the process.

Types of Soft Tissue Grafts We Perform

• Connective Tissue Grafts: The most common method for treating root exposure, involving tissue taken from the palate.


• Free Gingival Grafts: Ideal for increasing the amount of keratinised tissue around teeth or implants.


• Pedicle Grafts: Suitable when there's ample gum tissue near the affected tooth.

The Soft Tissue Grafting Procedure

Our soft tissue grafting procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. Preparation: The treatment area is cleaned and local anaesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort.


2. Graft Harvesting: If using your own tissue, a small amount is carefully removed from the palate or surrounding gum area.


3. Graft Placement: The harvested tissue is precisely positioned over the area of recession and sutured in place.


4. Final Touches: The surgical site is cleaned and, if necessary, a protective dressing is applied.

Advanced Techniques for Enhanced Results

At London Dental Specialists, we incorporate cutting-edge methods to improve outcomes:

• Microsurgical Approach: Utilising high-magnification and specialised instruments for minimal invasiveness.


• Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF): Using your own growth factors to accelerate healing and tissue regeneration.


• Tunnelling Technique: A minimally invasive method for treating multiple areas of recession.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Our soft tissue grafting procedures are typically performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout. The duration can vary depending on the extent of the treatment, but most procedures are completed within 1-2 hours.

Immediate Post-Procedure Care

Following your soft tissue graft, we provide comprehensive aftercare instructions, including:

• Guidance on managing any discomfort


• Dietary recommendations to promote healing


• Instructions for maintaining oral hygiene around the treated area


• Schedule for follow-up appointments

At London Dental Specialists, we are committed to delivering exceptional results through our advanced soft tissue grafting procedures. Our goal is to restore your gum health, enhance your smile's aesthetics, and boost your overall oral well-being.

Post Soft Tissue Grafts Treatment Care

Proper aftercare is essential for successful healing following your soft tissue graft procedure at London Dental Specialists. Our comprehensive post-treatment care ensures optimal recovery and long-lasting results for your gum health. Following these guidelines will help minimise discomfort and promote effective healing.

Immediate Aftercare (First 24-48 Hours)

• Manage swelling: Apply ice packs to the outside of your face in 20-minute intervals.


• Rest adequately: Limit physical activity for at least 24-48 hours after your procedure.


• Take prescribed medications: Follow your periodontist's instructions for pain management and antibiotics.


• Avoid disturbing the surgical site: Do not touch, brush, or floss the treated area.


• Maintain a soft diet: Consume cool, soft foods and avoid hot, spicy, or hard items.

First Week Recovery

During the first week after your soft tissue graft, focus on these key aspects:

• Gentle oral hygiene: Clean untreated areas normally while avoiding the graft site.


• Use prescribed mouthwash: Rinse with the antimicrobial solution provided by our team.


• Continue soft diet: Gradually introduce more foods as comfort allows.


• Avoid smoking: Smoking significantly impairs healing and can compromise graft success.


• Attend your follow-up appointment: This allows us to monitor your healing progress.

Long-Term Care (2-8 Weeks)

As healing progresses, your care routine will evolve:

• Resume normal oral hygiene: Following our guidance on when to begin brushing the treated area.


• Maintain regular check-ups: These appointments ensure your graft is healing properly.


• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: This helps protect the healing gum tissue.


• Consider dietary supplements: Vitamin C and other nutrients support tissue healing.

Signs of Normal Healing vs. Complications

Understanding what to expect during recovery helps you identify potential issues:

• Normal healing signs: Mild swelling, slight bleeding, and minimal discomfort that gradually improves.


• Contact us immediately if you experience: Severe pain, excessive bleeding, increased swelling after 3 days, or fever.

Long-Term Maintenance

To maintain the benefits of your soft tissue graft:

• Practice excellent oral hygiene: Brush twice daily and floss regularly.


• Attend regular dental cleanings: Professional maintenance helps prevent further gum recession.


• Use recommended oral care products: Special toothpastes and tools may be suggested for your specific needs.


• Address teeth grinding: A night guard may be recommended if you have bruxism.

At London Dental Specialists, we're committed to supporting your complete recovery. Our team is always available to address any concerns during your healing process. Following these aftercare instructions will help ensure the long-term success of your soft tissue graft and contribute to your overall oral health.