Gum grafting in Weybridge

A gum graft repairs gum that has receded and left part of a tooth root exposed. At Post House Dental in Weybridge our periodontist carries out gum grafting (also called a gingival graft) to cover exposed roots where possible. The aim is to stop the recession getting worse and make the gum around the tooth thicker and stronger.

You might notice that a tooth looks longer than it used to. It might twinge with hot or cold drinks. Perhaps you can feel a ridge where the enamel meets the root. Gums do not recede overnight. The change is usually slow, which is why many people only notice it when it has already progressed. Like all our treatments, gum grafting is subject to a consultation and assessment.

Why do gums recede?

There is rarely a single cause. Gum disease is the most common one, but several factors can play a part.

• Gum disease, where plaque and tartar damage the gum and the bone underneath.
• Brushing too hard or with the wrong technique, often with a hard brush.
• Teeth grinding and clenching.
• Smoking, which makes gum recession much more likely.
• Diabetes, illness and hormone changes.
• Genetics and naturally thin gum tissue.

Finding the cause matters. A graft placed while the cause is still active is less likely to last, so we deal with the cause first.

How gum recession is treated

Not every receding gum needs surgery. If the recession is caused by tartar or gum disease, treatment starts with a professional clean. This involves scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and roots. It allows the gum to heal and helps prevent further recession. Our page on gum disease treatment explains this stage. If brushing technique is the problem, our hygienists can show you a gentler way to clean.

A gum graft may be recommended where recession is more advanced or the gum is very thin. It repairs the damaged area and can stop further recession. It also improves your gingival biotype, which means the gum becomes thicker and more resistant to future recession.

Types of gum graft

The most common technique is a connective tissue graft. A small piece of tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth and placed under the gum around the affected tooth to cover the exposed root. Sometimes tissue is taken from the surface of the palate and placed directly over the area instead. This is used mainly to thicken the gum rather than to cover a root. Which technique suits you depends on how much gum has been lost and where. We will explain why we recommend a particular approach.

Gum grafting sits within a wider group of procedures called periodontal plastic surgery, which also includes treatment for a gummy smile. See our page on periodontal plastic surgery.

Benefits of a gum graft

• It can stop further recession at the treated site.
• It can reduce sensitivity to hot and cold.
• It protects the root surface from decay.
• It can even out the gum line and make teeth look less long.
• It thickens the gum, making it more resilient.

How much of the root can be covered depends on how much gum and bone has been lost between the teeth. Full coverage is not always possible. Results vary from person to person. We will tell you what is realistic before you decide.

Can you get a gum graft on the NHS?

This is one of the most common questions we are asked. We provide both NHS and private care. However, gum grafting is often regarded as an advanced periodontal procedure. Its availability on the NHS is limited and depends on your clinical need and on local NHS services. Many patients have gum grafts privately.

We cannot promise that a gum graft will be available to you on the NHS. At your assessment we can explain whether you might be eligible and what your options are. Please call the practice to ask about NHS care, as our online booking is for private appointments only.

Gum grafting at Post House Dental

Gum grafts at the practice are carried out by our periodontist, Gao Jye Teh (BDS 2018 Kings, MClinDent Periodontology UCL Eastman). Your first visit is a periodontal consultation. We measure the gum around each tooth, record the recession and check the health of the bone. Treatment is planned once any gum disease is under control.

The graft is done under local anaesthetic, so the area is numbed and you should feel no pain during treatment. We use surgical microscopes for magnification in almost all procedures, which helps with fine, precise work on delicate gum tissue.

How much does a gum graft cost?

A periodontal consultation is £165. A connective tissue graft is £1,100. The final fee depends on how many teeth are involved and the technique needed. We confirm it in a written treatment plan before any treatment begins. Full prices are on our fees page.

Recovery and aftercare

Expect some tenderness and swelling for the first few days. If tissue was taken from the roof of your mouth, that area is often more sore than the graft site itself. You will be given clear written instructions on pain relief and cleaning.

For the first period after surgery you should eat soft, cool food and chew on the other side. Avoid brushing the grafted area until we tell you it is safe. Smoking slows healing and makes grafts less likely to succeed, so stopping makes a real difference. We will see you for a review to check healing and remove any stitches.

Once healed, a graft needs the same care as the rest of your gums. Use a soft brush with gentle pressure. Keep up regular hygiene visits. If you grind your teeth, a night guard may help protect the result. Our article on gum graft procedure, recovery and cost has more background.