Gum Graft Surgery in Middlebury, VT

When periodontal (gum) disease has progressed into the complex stages, you might develop gum recession. This causes a raised gumline and visible tooth roots. At Lincoln Peak Dental, part of your periodontal disease therapy might consist of gum grafting to repair your gumline. With several different graft choices, dentist Dr. Brian Saltzman will produce your custom treatment plan to restore your gums. Speak to our office in Middlebury, VT to find out more about how gum grafting can help repair your gums, cover your teeth, and also improve the appearance of your grin.

Usually, gums grafts are used to fix gum recession caused by gum (periodontal) disease. Your gumline may be higher and your gums might pull back from your teeth. Exposed tooth roots can cause increased sensitivity. Other reasons which may cause or lead to gum recession are brushing your teeth aggressively or with a bad technique, chronic jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism), and misaligned teeth. In some cases, oral piercings (lip or tongue) can irritate the gums and lead to recession. In your appointment, Dr. Saltzman will assess your gums and decide if you are a candidate for gum graft surgery.

There are various sorts of gum grafts that can be utilized based on your specific condition. Connective-tissue gum grafts are the most common type used to fix exposed tooth roots. This involves cutting an incision in the palate (roof of your mouth) to take a little flap of skin. The special connective tissue is taken from within the flap and then attached to your gums. A free gingival graft is similar except that more tissue is used from the roof of the mouth to increase especially thin gums. The third graft is a pedicle graft that takes excess gum tissue from one area and moves it to where you need coverage. In your consultation, Dr. Saltzman will help you select the type of graft to suit your needs.

You will be able to go home after your gum grafting procedure, but you need to recover for a couple of days. You'll also need to have a responsible adult take you home if you were given oral or intravenous sedation. Dr. Saltzman will explain your aftercare instructions, including what to eat, what to avoid, and any medications you need to take. You may feel some pain or discomfort for a while after your surgery, which may be minimized with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medication. To prevent damaging your gum grafts, you should not floss or brush while your gums are healing. Dr. Saltzman will recommend a rinse to help keep your mouth clean. You might need to return for a follow-up appointment so Dr. Saltzman can track your recovery and progress.

If you're using dental insurance, a member of our team will get in touch with your provider and confirm your coverage. For out-of-pocket costs after dental insurance and for patients with no insurance, Lincoln Peak Dental accepts several payment methods. During your consultation, Dr. Saltzman can go over your estimated costs. We can also tell you about low-interest medical financing if you're interested to help make your surgery fit your budget.

Gum grafting surgery is a restorative dental procedure at Lincoln Peak Dental used to repair your gums, improve your oral health, and help to make your smile look more appealing. If your gums are receding because of advanced periodontal disease or other causes, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with dentist Dr. Brian Saltzman at our office in Middlebury, VT to find out more about the benefits of gum graft surgery.