Gum Grafting

Dr. Kwame Gyampo and our team provide gum grafting in Durham, North Carolina, to help restore healthy gum tissue to your mouth. We often recommend this type of treatment if your gums have started to recede due to gum disease. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our dentist for gum disease treatment, we welcome you to contact Providence Smiles today at 919-682-4861!

Dr. Kwame Gyampo and our team provide gum grafting in Durham, North Carolina, to help restore healthy gum tissue to your mouth. We often recommend this type of treatment if your gums have started to recede due to gum disease. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our dentist for gum disease treatment, we welcome you to contact Providence Smiles today at 919-682-4861!

What is a gum graft and why would I need one?

A soft tissue graft, also known as a gum graft, is a graft of gingival tissue. Our dentist may recommend a gum graft to correct gingival recession, which is when the gums start to pull away from the teeth. When the gums pull away, they can expose the tooth roots, causing decay, bone loss, cavities or sensitivity. A gum graft can also fix an uneven or short gumline.

What causes gum recession?

• Overaggressive brushing
• Poor oral hygiene
• Periodontal disease (gum disease)
• Use of tobacco products
• Genetics

What are some common symptoms of gum recession?

• Sensitive teeth
• Exposed tooth roots
• Teeth that look too long
• Inflammation
• Easy bleeding of the gums
• Halitosis (bad breath)

What is the gum grafting procedure like?

During the gum grafting procedure, our dentist will thoroughly clean your tooth roots to remove any decay or disease and stitch grafting tissue onto the areas of the gums needing additional tissue. The tissue graft may be taken from another area of your mouth or from a tissue bank depending on your needs and smile goals. When using your own tissues, the graft may be taken from the roof of the mouth or the surrounding gums. Our dentist will determine which type of gum graft is best suited to your individual needs. In some cases, we may also use tissue-stimulating proteins to encourage your body’s natural growth abilities and promote faster healing. This procedure should not cause you any pain because your mouth will be numb.

What is the recovery like?

Following the gum grafting procedure, you will be able to go home. However, if you were given a sedative to help you relax, you will need to plan on someone else driving you home. Our dentist will give you specific instructions for caring for your smile after the procedure; you may need to make some changes regarding your diet and physical activity.

Do not floss or brush the gum line where you received the gum graft until the area is completely healed. For a week or two after the procedure, to protect the surgical site and keep you comfortable eat only soft foods, such as pasta, soup, Jell-O, yogurt and ice cream.

The amount of pain you are in after surgery will depend on the type of gum graft. If no tissue is removed from your palate, you should have little to no discomfort. However, if tissue is removed from your palate, you may be uncomfortable for a few days after the procedure. Our dentist may prescribe pain relivers or suggest over-the-counter anti-inflammatory or pain medication to help keep you comfortable in the days following surgery. While it may take a couple weeks for your mouth to fully heal, you should be able to return to your normal activity the day after surgery.

What are the benefits of gum grafting?

• Reduces the risk of gum disease.
• Reduces the risk of cavities or any other tooth decay.
• Decreases teeth sensitivity.
• Improves the appearance of your smile.
• Gives you a more even gumline.

Learn more about how gum grafting can improve the health and appearance of your smile by contacting or vising our office today.