Gum recession can be more than a cosmetic concern. As the gum tissue moves away from the tooth, more of the root can become exposed, potentially leading to sensitivity, difficulty cleaning the area and an increased risk of further recession. For some patients, gum grafting can help protect the tooth, improve the thickness of the gum and restore a more balanced gum line.
At Pure Periodontics in the City of London, gum grafting is one of the specialist treatments used to manage gum recession and improve the health and stability of the tissues around the teeth. Dr Gajen Raveendran, known as Gaj, carries out a significant amount of gum grafting and has extensive experience in the careful planning and management of these procedures.
For patients considering gum grafting, understanding what happens before, during and after treatment can make the process feel much more straightforward.
WHAT IS GUM GRAFTING?
Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure used to add or restore gum tissue around a tooth.
It is commonly considered when gum recession has resulted in an exposed tooth root or where the gum tissue is particularly thin and vulnerable to further recession. Gum recession can have a number of causes, including periodontal disease, aggressive tooth brushing, naturally thin gum tissue and the position of a tooth within the jaw.
A gum graft may help to cover an exposed root, increase the thickness of the gum tissue and create a more stable environment around the tooth.
It is not simply a cosmetic procedure. For the right patient, strengthening the gum tissue can form an important part of protecting the tooth for the long term.
DOES EVERYONE WITH RECEDING GUMS NEED A GUM GRAFT?
No. Gum recession does not automatically mean that a graft is required.
The first step is understanding why the recession has occurred and whether it is likely to progress. A periodontist will assess the thickness and health of the gum, the position of the tooth, the amount of recession and the surrounding bone and tissues.
If periodontal disease is present, this needs to be appropriately managed. In other cases, the best approach may be to monitor the recession and make changes to the way the area is cleaned.
Where there is a significant risk of further recession, persistent sensitivity or an exposed root that is difficult to keep clean, gum grafting may be recommended.
WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE GUM GRAFTING?
Good gum grafting begins with careful planning.
During the consultation, the periodontist will assess the teeth and gums in detail and discuss the patient’s concerns and treatment objectives. Photographs and measurements may be taken to document the gum position and help monitor the result over time.
The type of grafting procedure will depend on the individual case. There are several techniques used in periodontal surgery and the most appropriate approach will depend on factors such as the location and severity of the recession, the thickness of the surrounding tissue and the patient’s overall gum health.
This is one of the reasons specialist assessment is so important. Gum recession is not the same in every patient and treatment needs to be tailored accordingly.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A GUM GRAFT?
Gum grafting is normally carried out using local anaesthetic, so the area being treated is thoroughly numbed before the procedure begins.
Depending on the technique, a small amount of tissue may be taken from another area of the mouth and carefully positioned around the tooth affected by recession. The graft is then secured in place with fine stitches.
The procedure is planned with considerable precision. The aim is not simply to add tissue but to create the right conditions for the graft to heal successfully and for the gum to become more robust around the tooth.
At Pure Periodontics, Dr Gajen Raveendran performs a significant amount of gum grafting. His experience with these procedures allows him to assess not only how the gum looks but also the underlying periodontal factors that may have contributed to the recession.
For many patients, this detailed planning is an important part of achieving a predictable and natural-looking result.
IS GUM GRAFTING PAINFUL?
It is understandable that patients may be concerned about discomfort following gum surgery.
During the procedure, the area is numbed with local anaesthetic. After treatment, some soreness, swelling or sensitivity is expected while the tissues begin to heal. The level of discomfort varies from person to person and will also depend on the type and extent of grafting carried out.
Patients are given individual aftercare instructions and appropriate advice about managing the recovery period.
One of the most important things is to avoid disturbing the surgical area while it heals. The graft needs time to establish itself and the early healing period is particularly important.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE AFTER A GUM GRAFT?
Recovery is gradual rather than immediate.
For the first few days, the treated area may feel tender and there may be some swelling or bruising. Patients are generally advised to follow a soft diet initially and to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the graft.
The surgical site will also need to be protected while it heals. Brushing and cleaning around the treated area will be modified according to the individual instructions provided by the periodontist.
Stitches may be dissolvable or may need to be removed at a follow-up appointment, depending on the technique used.
The initial healing phase is only part of the process. The gum tissue continues to mature over the following weeks and months, which is why the final appearance should not be judged immediately after surgery.
HOW LONG DOES A GUM GRAFT TAKE TO HEAL?
There is no single recovery time that applies to every gum graft.
The soft tissues may look and feel considerably better within the first couple of weeks, but deeper healing and maturation can continue for considerably longer. NHS guidance notes that complete healing following soft-tissue grafting can take from a few weeks to several months depending on the individual case.
Follow-up appointments allow the periodontist to monitor healing and make sure the graft is developing as expected.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GUM GRAFTING?
For the right patient, gum grafting can offer several potential benefits.
These may include:
- Protecting an exposed tooth root
- Reducing or managing root sensitivity
- Increasing the thickness of thin gum tissue
- Making the area easier to maintain
- Reducing the risk of further recession in selected cases
- Improving the symmetry and appearance of the gum line
- Creating healthier soft tissue around a tooth or, in some cases, an implant
The aim is always to balance the health, function and appearance of the gums rather than treating recession as a purely cosmetic problem.
IS GUM GRAFTING RIGHT FOR YOU?
Gum grafting can be an effective treatment for selected patients, but it is not automatically the right solution for every case of gum recession.
A specialist periodontist will consider the cause of the recession, the condition of the surrounding gum and bone, the patient’s oral hygiene and the likelihood of further progression before recommending treatment.
At Pure Periodontics in the City of London, patients benefit from a specialist periodontal approach with treatment planned around their individual needs. With Dr Gajen Raveendran’s extensive experience in gum grafting alongside the wider expertise of the Pure Periodontics team, patients can receive a detailed assessment before deciding whether grafting is appropriate.
For anyone concerned about receding gums, exposed tooth roots or thin gum tissue, an assessment with a periodontist can provide a clearer understanding of what is happening and whether treatment is necessary.
The earlier the cause of gum recession is understood, the more options there may be for protecting the health of the gums and teeth in the long term.