Understanding gum graft surgery and recovery expectations

Gum surgery is a treatment you can receive at our Surrey dental clinic. It’s used to address gum recession issues and the different complications of losing gum material.

Common causes of gum recession

• Gum disease (periodontal disease)
• Brushing too hard or too often
• Advancing age

Gum recession is caused by a few things. Plaque at the gumline may cause the gums to start receding. That’s why brushing is so important–to remove plaque. Periodontal disease occurs when plaque is allowed to build up.

Brushing too hard or too often can also make gums recede. If you’re not sure how much pressure to use, ask your dentist to show you. 

One of the consequences of aging is we start to lose more muscle and bone. This affects the gum area in our mouths too. See below regarding “Long in the tooth”!

Complications of gum recession

• Increased sensitivity or pain
• Increased risk of tooth decay
• Increased risk of tooth loss
• Aesthetic concerns

The biggest concerns with losing gum tissue are the effects on teeth and appearance. Gum recession eventually exposes the roots of your teeth. This opens you up to experiencing greater sensitivity to different foods (like sweets) and temperatures (hot and cold). Teeth with exposed roots are also more susceptible to tooth decay and even loss.

If you’ve ever wondered where the expression “long in the tooth” comes from, gum recession is it. While it used to apply just to aging horses, it applies to aging humans too. Gums pulling back make teeth look longer, and many don’t find that an attractive look. Gum surgery fixes this to restore your beautiful smile.

Types of gum surgery

• Connective tissue graft
• Free gingival graft

Connective tissue graft is used to cover exposed tooth roots. Free gingival graft is used where gum tissue is thinning and could use some support.

Gum surgery recovery

• May be pain and swelling
• Use over-the-counter meds
• Eat soft foods
• Avoid hard and hot foods
• Rest

Gum surgery can take a few hours. When you get home you can treat any pain and swelling with over-the-counter pain medication and/or ice packs. It generally takes a couple of weeks to heal, during which time you should eat soft foods and avoid anything hard. Follow your dentist’s instructions on cleaning to prevent infections and to avoid disturbing the surgery sites. You can go to work the following day, otherwise rest when you need to.

If you have additional questions or concerns about gum surgery, Surrey dental clinic Riverside Heights is  happy to help. Give us a call at 604-584-2535

Riverside Heights is your friendly North Surrey dentist clinic not far from Fraser Heights and the Guildford area of Surrey. Book an appointment today–it’s easy!