What is a Free Gingival Graft Procedure?
If you have thin, receding gums it is important that you explore your treatment options with a periodontist. Gum recession that is untreated can lead to more serious oral health issues such as tooth decay or gum disease, which in turn can lead to more serious health issues over time. Additionally, if your gums have receded, it can affect the appearance of your smile. If this is you, you may be wondering what your options are. One of the solutions most recommended by dentists is a free gingival graft. If you’ve recently been told this is an option for you, you may wonder what it is. This article will examine what a free gingival graft is and why it might be a good option for you.
What is a free gingival graft?
A free gingival graft is a microsurgical procedure that aims to restore and increase the amount of gum tissue around a tooth. It is a procedure used to treat receding or thin gums. Preventing the worsening of gingival recession is important and by ensuring there is enough tissue surrounding the tooth this can be accomplished.
What is the procedure for a free gingival graft?
When performing a free gingival graft, your dentist will seek to harvest healthy tissue from one area of your mouth and suture it to the area needing treatment. Your dentist will first numb the areas that will be worked on. Then they will remove the healthy tissue and attach it to the site of gingival recession needing treatment. Usually, the donor tissue comes from the roof of your mouth, but not always.
Once the procedure is complete, your body will begin to heal. Over time, the donor tissue will attach to the existing tissue and heal as one. This ultimately forms a thicker gum structure. Once the site is completely healed, the dentist may use dental lasers, which are minimally invasive, to shape the gums around the teeth. Once healed, with proper care, the free gingival graft can last a patient’s lifetime.
Are there limitations to a free gingival graft?
The main limitation of a free gingival graft is that it cannot cover exposed roots. This means if your roots are exposed, this procedure is not right for you. A free gingival graft’s primary purpose is stopping further recession. An additional limitation is that free gingival grafts may have a slight cosmetic impact. Tissue from the roof of the mouth, which is typically where the donor site is located, is often lighter pink than gum tissue around the teeth. Lastly, the areas where the procedure occurred, especially the donor site, may be sore for roughly a week following the procedure and will need time to heal.
What are my next steps?
If you think you may be a candidate for a free gingival graft talk to your dentist today. They will be able to guide you through the process and your treatment options. If you have receding gums, it is important to find a solution as soon as you can, and a free gingival graft may be the solution for you.