Gum grafting is a dental procedure performed to fix the effects of gum recession. It is a fast and straightforward graft surgery where the periodontist will remove the healthy gum tissue from the roof of your mouth and use it to correct the receded gum. Gum graft surgery cost starts from $600 and could go as high as $1200 per tooth. Consult your family dentist if you are experiencing gum recession symptoms like bleeding after brushing, bad breath, and swollen gums.
Cost of Gum Grafting
Several factors affect the total cost of gum graft procedures. As mentioned, a gum graft can cost from $600 per tooth if you consult a general dentist. However, expect some additional costs if you are seeking treatment from a periodontist.
Gum tissue from a donor costs higher than tissue that is taken from your mouth. In addition, your periodontist will most likely recommend gum contouring as well, a dental service that could increase your total costs to $3000.
Why do You Need a Gum Graft Surgery
Gum recession when the gum tissue starts to wear away, leaving you with an exposed tooth root. The exposed areas may cause teeth sensitivity, especially while eating hot and cold foods. Due to the slow progression of gum recession, many patients are not aware that their dental health is compromised already.
If neglected, gum recession could lead to tooth loss, hence, making gum graft surgery an essential treatment to keep your mouth healthy.
On the other note, some patients undergo gum grafting for cosmetic purposes. For example, it’s performed to promote a perfect smile and to have a better appearance.
It’s essential to seek professional help if you notice signs of periodontal disease and gum recession such as:
- continuous bleeding that lasts for more than 20 minutes
- sudden bruising, pain, and swelling
- fever
Types of Gum Graft Procedures
There are a number of gum graft procedures available, and your periodontist will determine which one is the most suitable for you. Often, the procedure will depend on the gravity and severity of receding gums as well as the patient’s needs.
The dentist will explain all the available options to you and help you decide which one is the best for you. Once you’ve chosen, the dentist will apply anesthetics to the affected area to reduce pain. The dentist will also lift the receding gum to check the tooth root and clean it if needed.
Let’s check out the three different gum grafting procedures, starting with:
Connective Tissue Graft
This procedure will begin with your periodontist harvesting the soft tissue from the mouth roof. The second step is the stitching of the gum tissue to close the exposed root where the gum recession occurs. Lastly, the dentist will stitch the area where the tissue was harvested.
Free Gingival Graft
The free gingival graft is a process typically recommended to patients with thin gums. Dentists perform this procedure to enlarge the patient’s gum.Dental professionals in reliable clinics like Grange Dental Care’s team will perform the procedure by:
- harvesting the tissue from the mouth roof
- stitching the harvested tissue to the thin gum area
Pedicle Graft
Pedicle graft is the procedure performed on patients with many growing gum tissues close to the exposed root. In this procedure, the periodontist will graft gum tissue from the gum or nearby the tooth that needs treatment. However, he will not entirely remove the tissue, leaving a small part of it attached to the edge. Next, the dentist will slowly stretch the tissue to cover the exposed roots and stitch it there.
Sometimes, the periodontist will get the tissue from the tissue bank, yet this might increase the cost of your surgery. If you think that you need gum grafting, visit your trusted clinic to see if you are a candidate.
Possible Complications
There are a few and infrequent complications that might occur after the surgery. If any major side effects take place, visit your doctor’s office for a follow-up check-up. Meanwhile, here are some of the possible complications that might occur:
- swollen gums
- bleeding gums
- loose teeth
- sensitive teeth
- teeth gaps
- infection (poor postoperative care)
In rare cases, the graft tissue may not attach to the graft site correctly, and if this occurs, the patient may need another treatment again.
Some patients do not feel satisfied with how their gums look after the surgery. In cases like this, dentists prepare another procedure to reshape the gum according to the patient’s preference.
Preventing Gum Recession
Good oral hygiene is the key to ensure that your teeth, gums, and mouth are healthy. Here are the best ways to keep yourself safe from receding gums:
Gently brush your teeth- Stop smoking
- Seek help for teeth conditions if needed
- Avoid mouth accessories like piercings
- Don’t forget your routine checkup
With excellent dental care practice, you will not only prevent gum recession but other dental health conditions as well. Click on this link to know the importance of preventive care on your overall health.
Reducing Cost with Insurance
One of the many benefits of having dental insurance is that you can get treatment without hurting your pocket. The cost of the surgery will usually depend on which type of gum graft surgery you will need. To know more details, you can ask your insurance provider about your coverage.
The good news is that most insurance providers can cover the total expense of the surgery and they can also provide estimates so you can have an idea of the pocket cost.
You can also visit Toothsome’s Sydney-based periodontic clinic if you’re looking for an expert that can help you with this issue.
Reference:
How long does it take for a gum graft to heal? (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322115)
