Gum care
Gum recession and grafts
Recession is gum that has pulled back from a tooth and left root showing. A graft covers it with tissue from the roof of your mouth, or with a graft material, to protect the root.
This is for people whose dentist or hygienist has noticed recession that is getting worse, or whose teeth are tender at the gumline. Some recession only needs watching, and Dr. Wade says so when that is the case.
Who it is for
Recession your dentist has noticed
Teeth that are tender at the gumline
Root showing where gum used to be
What happens
Plan on one visit for the graft, and one or two to check healing.
- 01
Step 1: Exam and measure
We measure the recession and compare it with earlier records if you have them.
- 02
Step 2: Choose the approach
Your own tissue or a graft material. Dr. Wade explains what each involves and what each trades off.
- 03
Step 3: The visit
The area is numbed. Plan on a visit of an hour or two.
- 04
Step 4: Healing
Soft food for a while, and a check-in after a week or two to see how the area is healing.
Some people need a second visit if a graft doesn't take completely.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
The area is numbed with a local anesthetic. Where tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth it can feel sore, like a scrape, for several days. Tell us if you'd like to pause at any point.
If you wait
Recession doesn't grow back on its own. If it stays the same from year to year, nothing may need doing. If it keeps moving, a graft is easier earlier than later, and Dr. Wade will tell you which she sees.
Risks and after-care
Swelling, some bleeding and soreness are common for a few days. A graft can fail to take fully and need another visit. Don't brush the area until we say, and call us for bleeding that won't stop or swelling that grows.
How it's billed
Many dental plans pay part of gum treatment, and some of it can be billed to a medical plan. We file the claim for you and give you a written estimate before treatment.
How fees work
Questions about gum grafts
Is recession always a reason for a graft?
No. Some recession is watched with measurements at each visit. A graft is for recession that is moving or causing trouble.
Where does the graft tissue come from?
From the roof of your mouth, or from a donor material. Dr. Wade explains both before you choose.
When can I go back to work?
Many people plan a quiet day or two. Dr. Wade gives you a plan for your own case before the visit.
Provided by a periodontist
Dr. Etta Wade, DDS, licensed in Missouri. The practice is limited to periodontics.