Gum Grafting
Also called: Gingival graft or periodontal plastic surgery
Gum grafting is a treatment to cover exposed tooth root surfaces. Receding gums is usually caused by periodontal disease resulting from heavy tartar buildup. Care for gum disease is usually treated by periodontists, who are experts in gum care.
What to expect
There are three different types of gum tissue grafts:
Connective-tissue graft
Most common treatment where your dentist will take a small piece of tissue from under the surface of the roof of your mouth and then place it to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root.
Free gingival graft
Typically used if you have thin gums, your dentist will take a small piece of tissue directly from the surface of the roof of the mouth (your palate) and attach it to the treated area.
Pedicle graft
During this procedure, your periodontist will move gum tissue from an area next to the tooth with recession. Your periodontist will only do this procedure if there is enough gum tissue in the area.
After the procedure
Your periodontist will discuss the next steps to ensure a healthy recovery. You will be given a special mouth rinse to help control plaque buildup and may be prescribed an antibiotic to reduce risk of infections.
Routine preventative care like regular dental check-ups, brushing and flossing are important to preventing gum disease from reoccurring.
Available Practices
The practices below offer this specialty care. Select a practice that best meets your budget and availability for appointments.
Student Dental Clinic
Services at this clinic are performed at reduced prices because students are working under the supervision of board-certified dentists on faculty. The educational nature of the clinic requires extra time for appointments and the types of services offered depends on the training needed by students at that time.
Average Cost: 60 - 70% less than private practice
Appointment Time: 3-4 hour appointments
Education: Dental students under the guidance of faculty dentists
Periodontics: Resident Practice
Our clinic is staffed by dental residents who are completing advanced training. Top services: dental implant, extraction, bone grafts, gum disease and gum recession treatment.
Average Cost: Fees average 60% of the cost of private practice
Appointment Time: Slightly longer than private practice
Education: Graduate dentists completing advanced training in Periodontics
Periodontics: Faculty Practice
Our clinic provides the evaluation, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gum and bone supporting the teeth. Top services: gum recession treatment, bone grafts and dental implants.
Average Cost: Equal to private practice
Appointment Time: Equal to private practice
Education: Specialists who also teach at the School of Dentistry