Gum Grafting Surgery in North Vancouver
Most people know the function of the teeth and tongue and the importance of a regular oral hygiene routine to keep them healthy, but what do you really know about your gums?
The gums, anatomically known as gingiva (gingivae), comprise a soft mucosal tissue covering the inside of the jaw within the mouth. They stabilize the teeth and, most importantly, provide a barrier to keep harmful bacteria from entering your system.
They also cover and protect your teeth and provide that balanced gum-to-tooth ratio in your smile. If your smile begins to look more “toothy” than balanced, the gums may be receding, affecting your confidence and health.
Any trauma or disease that causes destruction of the tissue leaves you at risk of infection, so the gums play an essential role. If you have gum recession or loss, the tissue will not grow back on its own, but it is possible to have surgical intervention to help restore the tissue.
Our Bayview Lonsdale Dentist team can help. We offer gum grafting treatments and gum recession surgery to help you both look and feel your best.
Why You May Need Gum Grafting Surgery
Gum recession can result from an overly-aggressive brushing routine, types of orthodontic care, gum irritation and inflammation (gingivitis) and gum disease (periodontal disease).
Recession reveals exposed root surfaces which aesthetically alters your smile but also leaves you at risk of increased tooth sensitivity due to exposed nerve endings and damage like dental cavities, decay and tooth loss.
Gum grafting is a minor surgical intervention that stops and “reverses” the recession by removing mucosal tissue from one less noticeable area of the mouth and replacing it over the damaged gums.
Our Gum Grafting Service in North Vancouver
Our dental team comprises gum experts who can reverse that aged “long in the tooth” look with precise gum restoration treatment and surgery.
Different Types Of Gum Grafts
There are a number of types of gum replacement surgery, so it’s important to book your consultation with one of our dentists to see which procedure would best suit you.
Free Gingival Graft
In this procedure, two separate areas of the mouth are affected.
- The donor gum tissue site: The tissue is harvested (generally the roof or palate of the mouth).
- The problem area of the recessed gum: The tissue is then grafted or reattached to cover the exposed root.
Connective Tissue Graft
This procedure is also referred to as a subepithelial connective tissue graft. It is similar to the technique mentioned above as it also utilizes two surgical sites: a donor site to harvest from and a recipient site to graft to.
It also targets the roof of the mouth for donor tissue but only uses the deep layer of the palate as it requires dense connective tissue.
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Lateral Pedicle Flap Graft
This procedure is different from the aforementioned two as it doesn’t require the removal of tissue from another area altogether.
Instead, the rotational gum tissue flap graft uses the healthy gum area beside the recessed gum, and with a cut made in the tissue, it’s simply shared and shifted over to cover the problem.
Minimally Invasive Tunnel Graft
This procedure differs from all the others as it doesn’t use your own tissue for the graft, but rather a donor bank tissue.
This technique is less invasive as there is no harvesting of the palatal tissue, less painful, more predictable as the amount of tissue needed can be accounted for ahead of time, and more cosmetically successful.
This procedure is comparable to a laparoscopic one.
Once the recipient tissue site is prepped, cleaned and planed, the donor tissue is grafted through small tunnel incisions in the gums, then sutured in place, allowing it over time to become part of the natural, pre-existing tissue.
Gum-graft Aftercare
Even with a minimally invasive procedure, gum graft surgery is never without risk or downtime. Pain, discomfort, slight swelling and bleeding are not uncommon side effects. It can take a week or two for the gums and grafted tissue to heal properly.
During the post-surgery period, it is strongly recommended that you…
- Watch what you eat: Choose soft and cold foods in place of hard and hot items that can irritate the graft site.
- Don’t touch it: Avoid flossing, and toothbrushing and choose a dentist-approved mouthwash to reduce bacteria and prevent infection.
- Rest: Avoid exertion and exercise while your graft heals.
- Take prescribed medications: We may recommend pain medication or something to help prevent infection during the healing period, but make sure to heed all dentist’s instructions.
- Follow-up: A follow-up appointment will be made for examination and any required suture removal.
- Alert us: If something seems off, or you have more pain, swelling, or bleeding than predicted, don’t hesitate to contact us immediately rather than wait for your follow-up visit.
How Much Does A Gum Graft Cost in Vancouver?
There is no one answer to this question, as many factors contribute to the cost of gum surgery. It can typically range from $1200-2600 dollars per grafting site.
Pricing will consider sedation requirements and techniques, graft type, damage extent, and of course, which clinic you attend.
Some out-of-pocket costs can be offset with medical and dental benefits; make sure to contact your provider. For detailed estimates, please take a moment and contact us to see why our expert dentists, and your gums and teeth, are worth the investment.
Choose Our Clinic in North Vancouver for Gum Grafting
If you’re ready to look younger, feel better, and have increased oral health, i’s time to book with one of our experienced dentists and chat about our safe, gentle, and cost-effective gum grafting techniques.
We used the most advanced technologies and patient-centred approaches to minimize pain and maximize gain.
Our Lonsdale office is located at Lonsdale and 11th Street East, and we boast extended hours, friendly multilingual staff, free parking, and a first-rate dental team.
Gum Grafting FAQs
What is gum recession?
Gum recession is when your gums retract back up towards the jawbone, exposing more of the teeth and potentially the root and associated nerves. You see an increased amount of the tooth’s white, exposing it to bacteria and oral complications.
Will I experience any discomfort during the procedure?
Dental treatments, including gum surgery, have come a long way with advances in dental medicine and procedural technologies. The pain is minimal, especially when paired with a numbing agent or sedation technique.
If you’re experiencing any anxiety regarding the pain, one of our dentists would be happy to explain the procedures in greater detail and answer any lingering questions you may have.
Which gum graft is right for me?
There is no one size fits all approach to gum surgery. We invite you to visit our office for an initial consultation and exam to see what procedure would benefit your gums most.
We will consider the extent of the recession and the possible donor and recipient sites.
Are there any complications I should watch for after surgery?
Be sure to alert us if you experience any pain, swelling or bleeding beyond the expected minimum. Look out for signs of infection, including fever and a generalized feeling of unwellness.
We will discuss in detail what to expect post-surgery and any necessary procedures to follow.