Expert Gum Graft Surgery

Many insurance companies will cover a percentage if done for health reasons, not cosmetic. Each insurance company and its policies differ. Guidelines change frequently. It’s best to find out ahead of time.

Most of the time, this surgery doesn’t cause distress. A local anesthetic helps. Keep in mind though- the type of procedure can impact your pain level. When your own tissue is required, the invasive factor increases.

Once anesthesia has worn off, you may experience a slight to moderate discomfort. Dr. Mansoor may advise taking Ibuprofen or Tylenol. These over-the-counter remedies such should take the sting out quickly.

There’s no one way to answer this question. The average cost for this procedure can be anywhere from $500 to $3,500. A couple of elements can determine the final price:

• Anesthetic. Local anesthetic usually does the trick. But you may request sedation (at an added fee) for more comfort.
• Grafting. Can tissue be harvested from the roof your mouth or near the problem tooth? If not, an alternative is needed. Donor tissue or collagen strips may tack on costs.
• Locale. The area where grafts are applied matters too. Side and back teeth are harder to reach than front teeth. You’re partly paying for Dr. Mansoor’s expertise. Spending more time to do the same task can increase the expense.
• Number of teeth. Obviously, it will cost less to have one tooth done than say… six. But, if you have several teeth done at the same time, the cost per tooth may be less.

Smiles by Hanna offers an in-office discount plan and payment plan through CareCredit.

The overall success rate for this procedure is more than 90 percent. But, every kind of surgery comes with a pinch of uncertainty.

Possible risks include:

• Bleeding
• Blotching in the facial region
• Infection
• Pain
• Swelling
• Tooth sensitivity

There are two ways to help you avoid adverse reactions:

1. Go to a skilled periodontist. Training and experience are the sought-after combo here. Choosing a well-qualified dental professional gives you the best chance of success. When you sit in Dr. Mansoor’s chair, you know you’ll receive excellent care.
2. Follow aftercare directions. Before leaving the office, you’ll be given a set of instructions. Don’t second-guess or question any steps. Follow every instruction as written.

Dr. Mansoor basically tucks tooth roots in nice and snugly. Affected areas are covered with tissue or collagen.

All performed by a periodontist, there are several kinds that could work depending on the condition of your gums. One of the following may be recommended:

• Connective tissue graft. This common way of enhancing gums uses tissue from the roof of your mouth. The harvested matter is then added to a particular spot.
• Donor tissue. Tissue banks are where alternative coverings can be found. This material will be attached just as if it were your own.
• Free gingival graft. Similar to connective tissue grafting, this substance is harvested from your mouth’s palate.
• Pedicle graft. Tissue is taken near the area where you need work done. Only patients with enough gingival tissue are candidates for this process.
• Pinhole gum surgery. Collagen strips are used instead of tissue. The strips are pressed through a tiny hole in your gums. Stitches are not needed in this minimally invasive technique.

While only a minor procedure, you should treat your recovery seriously. The team at Smiles by Hanna will give post-surgery instructions. Most regular diets can resume in two weeks. Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption won’t be on the menu.

Avoid:

• Acidic beverages (juices and soda)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Chewy foods (taffy and gummy bears)
• Hard to chew foods (steak, toffee and raw veggies)
• Spicy foods
• Strenuous exercise for a week
• Tobacco use
• Using straws

Elevate your head with plenty of pillows

Keep scheduled follow-up appointments

Minimize swelling by applying ice pack to area for short bursts of time throughout first 24 to 48 hours afterwards

Stay hydrated

Stick to a liquid food diet for a few days after surgery

Use anti-microbial mouthwash as directed

A local anesthesia is typically given. Dr. Mansoor gets to work. The process goes by quickly. You may be asked to stay for a period afterwards to ensure all is well.

Anyone with recessed gums can benefit from this technique. These areas of the mouth can sit tight afterwards. A gingiva replacement can add years to the life of a tooth.

Food and bacteria find a comfy new home in gingiva. As time goes on, your gingiva reacts to this invasion by receding. While the villain is usually poor oral hygiene, there can be other factors in play.

Causes include:

• Age. Gum tissue loses elasticity with age. Receding begins. Trouble follows.
• Bruxism. Your gingiva could be in danger if you grind your teeth.
• Diabetes. If this condition is not controlled, you risk recession.
• Heredity. If Mom, Dad or your siblings fight an uphill battle with keeping gums healthy, you may too. But don’t lose hope. Genetics may play a role, but proactive measures can still be taken.
• Lack of care. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day can make a huge impact. If oral health is continually neglected, your chances of needing this surgery will be high.
• Misalignment. A strange bite and crooked teeth can cause the mouth to close incorrectly. When teeth repeatedly close at the wrong angle, gums take on too much pressure. Gingival tissue can’t withstand this abuse over time.
• Periodontitis. Also known as gum disease, this infection is a mouth’s menace. Instead of being pink and firm, this area can become swollen and red. Bleeding after brushing is common. Teeth start to loosen. Without gums to act as a stabilizer, tooth loss is certain.
• Tobacco use. Any type of tobacco product can wreck dental health. The more years of use, the worse your condition becomes.