What is the Success Rate for a Free Gingival Graft?
Free Gingival Graft
Gum recession takes place when gum tissue starts to pull away from the teeth. This can cause serious oral health issues and even impact the patient’s smile. In addition, receding gum tissue exposes the roots of the tooth, resulting in sensitivity and creating a perfect environment for harmful bacteria.
Treatment
Soft tissue grafting or a free gingival graft is used to treat receding gums. During gum grafting, the affected area is replaced with donor tissue or tissue from the patient’s own mouth.
Gingival Graft
A gingival graft or gum graft involves the strategic placement of tissue in the affected area. Gum grafting works by covering the exposed roots and improves discomfort from sensitivity. Gum grafting also improves the appearance of the teeth by adding volume to the gums. Another benefit of gum grafts is that they help prevent bone deterioration from the existing teeth.
Causes
Gum recession is commonly caused by periodontitis or gum disease. Other common causes of gum recession include aggressive force when brushing, smoking, hormonal changes from pregnancy, diabetes, and genetics.
Free Soft Tissue Graft
A free soft tissue graft or free gingival graft is a surgical procedure where soft tissues are transplanted from one part of the mouth to another. This is also commonly called a free gingival graft. In many cases, soft tissue is obtained from the roof of the patient’s mouth and stitched to the receding gum area.
Cost
On average, the cost for gum graft surgery ranges from about $600 to $1,200 per individual tooth being treated. There are various factors which impact the cost such as the use of anesthesia, gum contouring, and number of affected teeth. Dental insurance may cover a portion of the gum grafting procedure.
Procedure Success Rate
Gingival grafts are historically a highly successful procedure with a success rate higher than 90%. Gum grafts are effective in treating gum recession and improving the patient’s oral health. Patients who do not have complications and maintain good oral hygiene can have a gum graft which lasts for a lifetime.
Recovery
The recovery from a free gingival graft takes an average of one to two weeks. Patients typically experience less pain and recover more quickly when donor tissue is used versus using their own tissue from the palate. Patients should expect the surgical site to be tender for the first few days. Strenuous activity exercise should be avoided for at least 24 hours following the procedure. Most patients can resume routine activities the next day.
While any pain from the gum graft procedure typically fades quickly, patients often have sensitivity for a few weeks. There may especially be sensitivity to hard, crunchy, or spicy foods and hot or cold beverages. When the graft tissue is obtained from the palate, it often feels similar to burning the roof of the mouth. Any pain can typically be managed with an over-the-counter pain medication, but the periodontist may prescribe medication as well. Patients are encouraged to consume cold, soft foods such as smoothies, yogurt, and pudding for a few days while the mouth heals.
Free gingival grafts are highly successful in the treatment of receding gums. Contact the office today to determine if you may benefit from the procedure. Gum grafts can aid in restoring oral health and the appearance of the patient’s smile.
