Gum Grafting in Culver City

Patients can expect a procedure that lasts about 1 hour for each gum graft. We first administer local anesthetic to numb the area. If you are using your own gum tissue for the graft, we start by carefully removing a portion of healthy gum. We skip this step when using donor tissue. Next, we place the gum graft over the target areas, ensuring precise placement. We suture the tissue so that it remains firmly in place. We generally use stitches that fall out on their own, so you will not need us to take them back out.

Gum grafting is open to a wide range of candidates. If you have receding gums, then this treatment is almost certainly for you. Putting off treatment will only allow your condition to potentially worsen and cause additional hardships down the road.

We use carefully administered local anesthetic to prevent any pain during the treatment. You may feel minor sensations like pressure, but there should be no discomfort beyond that. After treatment, some gum soreness is normal. Most patients will find that even over-the-counter pain relievers are sufficient to keep this easily tolerable.

Our gums tend to heal very quickly. However, it can still take about 1 to 2 weeks for most patients to make a full recovery. While you will not have to take time off from work, some patients prefer to rest at home for the first 24 to 48 hours. There can be minimal bleeding, mild swelling, and potential bruising around the surgical sites.

While your gums heal, you will want to avoid brushing or flossing directly at the treatment sites. You will want to start off with only soft foods for about a week, then can gradually return to more solid foods during the second week. We may see you for a follow-up to ensure healing is going well and to let you know when you can resume normal brushing and flossing at home.

Gum grafting produces consistently positive results for our patients, with a success rate of over 90%. Left untreated, receding gums can put your oral health at increased risk of gum disease, cavities, and increased tooth sensitivity. Patients can expect their gums to look and feel healthier after treatment. However, it will be vital to maintain good oral hygiene after treatment and continue to stick to healthy habits. Patients can improve their gum health and prolong results with several key steps:

• Daily oral hygiene
• Routine dental visits
• Maintaining hydration
• Eating a balanced diet
• Avoiding smoking
• Regularly replacing your toothbrush
• Careful brushing that does not wear down gums

Many dental insurance plans do provide some coverage for gum graft surgery. However, the amount of reimbursement will depend on your coverage, which influences the out-of-pocket cost. We recommend contacting your provider to see what your plan covers so that there are no surprises when you receive your bill.