What is the Success Rate for a Free Gingival Graft?
A free gingival graft, or gum graft, is a common and simple dental procedure that includes placing a small amount of soft tissue in an area around a tooth where there is now little or no gum tissue. Gum grafting covers exposed tooth roots to neutralize discomfort from any increased sensitivity and to add desired volume to the gum line for both improved health and better appearance. Gum grafts will also help to protect your teeth and bone from further deterioration.
Gum grafts might be necessary if there is gum recession from periodontitis, or gum disease, but that is not the only issue that can cause your gums to recede. Simply brushing too aggressively, smoking, experiencing hormonal changes, diabetes, and even your genetics can play a role in your gum recession.
What Is the Gingival Graft Success Rate
Free gingival grafts have a proven and documented success rate of over 90% and help reverse gum recession as well as improve your oral health. If you have no complications and continue your proper oral hygiene and dental care, a gum graft can last your lifetime.
Gingival Graft Recovery
Free gingival graft recovery can take several weeks, but the recovery will vary from person to person. It is frequently more comfortable to place donor tissue instead of taking the graft from the roof of your mouth or your palate.
The immediate area is most often tender for a few days. You need to refrain from strenuous activity or exercise for 24 hours after your procedure, but usually you can return to your usual activities the following day.
The pain or discomfort of the free gingival graft fades quickly, but there may be sensitivity to hard foods and hot or cold drinks for a few weeks. With a free gingival graft taken from your palate, the discomfort you might feel is a burning sensation on the roof of your mouth. Over-the-counter medications are usually adequate in managing your discomfort. Soft foods are usually recommended for several days during your free gingival graft recovery.
Is There an Alternative to Gum Grafting?
Gum graft procedures are an excellent treatment if you have gum recession, but there are also alternatives available if you have gum recession yet prefer not to have a gum graft.
- Scaling and root planing- Scaling and root planing removes accumulated, damaging tartar from below your gum line, which then naturally allows your gums to heal and prevent further recession. This may not be an option if your gum recession has become severe.
- Bone regeneration- If your gums have receded significantly, there could be accompanying jawbone deterioration below your gum line. Bone regeneration with a bone graft might be necessary to augment the jawbone to prepare for potential dental implants, but this could be reserved for a severe case of periodontitis.
- Gum contouring- Gum contouring is performed to physically reshape your gums with either a laser or scalpel under local anesthesia. This procedure will reduce the depth of the pockets around your teeth to both improve your oral hygiene and to restore the appearance of your healthy smile. Gum contouring is often used in conjunction with gum grafting.
Related Article: Am I a Candidate for Free Gingival Graft?