A gum graft may be considered in cases of significant gingival recession or to prepare the jaw for a dental implant.
Studio Dentaire, a dental practice in Lyon for 20 years, offers this procedure to its patients. Here we explain what it involves.
Gingival grafting involves removing a sample of gingiva (a graft) from the palate or ridges where teeth are missing, to reinforce the thickness of the gingiva or cover gingival recession.
Gum surgery is indicated in the following cases:
gingival recession caused by traumatic brushing: the gums move and uncover the roots of the teeth, which can cause aesthetic discomfort, as well as hypersensitivity in the affected teeth. Gingival retraction is to be distinguished from tooth loosening due to periodontitis, which is an infectious disease.
vestibular positioning (too far forward) of the tooth following orthodontic treatment
traumatic piercing
increase gum thickness and height prior to dental implant placement or orthodontic treatment
This will also help prevent cavities, since a tooth with a bare root is more likely to be exposed to this problem.
Dental gum surgery (or gum reconstruction) can only be performed if there is sufficient bone mass in the teeth concerned. If this is not the case, a dental bone graft can be considered with your dental surgeon. For the graft to take hold, the gum must have sufficient bone on which to rest.
A consultation with your Studio Dentaire practitioner will be necessary to take stock of your health and check that there are no contraindications to grafting.
In the case of heart disease, a cardiological consultation with a specialist will be necessary before surgery can be considered.
The graft is performed under local anaesthetic in one of our three operating theatres, located just a stone’s throw from the Part-Dieu train station and the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse.
Gum surgery is performed in 3 stages:
1.
Preparing the grafted gingiva: the surgeon uses a sterilized tool to loosen the gingiva in preparation for placing the graft there.
2.
Graft harvesting from the palate (for autogenous grafts).
3.
Graft placement, sutures. A plate is placed on the palate to protect the harvesting site.
It should be noted that, in certain cases, it is also possible to consider placing a graft composed of biomaterials.
For 24 to 48 hours after a gingival graft, we recommend that you rest and avoid strenuous physical activity. In the event of pain, be sure to take any analgesics or anti-inflammatories we have prescribed.
If your cheek is swollen, consider applying an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth to your face.
Prefer a soft diet for the first few days.
We will schedule a follow-up visit to check that tissue healing is underway and remove stitches.
One last piece of advice to ensure the graft takes: if you smoke, you’ll need to give up smoking, at least until the tissues have finished healing.
Gum grafts are not reimbursed by the French Social Security system. Part of the operation may be covered by your mutual insurance company, depending on your dental coverage. Studio Dentaire can also offer you a personalized payment schedule.
Contact us today on 04 78 62 84 08 to book an appointment.
