Gum Grafts: Surgery, Price and Advice

What is a gum graft?

The gum graft, also called gingival graft, is a surgical procedure intended to restore and strengthen the gingival tissues that surround the teeth. This procedure is often implemented to treat gingival recession, characterised by a retreat of the gums that exposes the dental roots.

The gum tissue used for the graft can come from different sources: the patient's palate (autogenous graft), tissues from human donors (allogeneic graft) or synthetic substitutes (alloplastic graft).

In which cases is a gum graft recommended?

Tooth loosening or gingival recession

Tooth loosening, also called gingival recession, is a fairly widespread oral problem that results in the gradual withdrawal of the gum around the tooth, thus exposing the root. The tooth then loses its natural protection and becomes more sensitive; it is therefore more exposed to cavities.

Gingival recession is characterised by dental sensitivity (to heat, to cold), pain and discomfort (on touch or brushing), gum bleeding or bad breath frequently linked to the accumulation of bacteria in the gum pockets.

Periodontal diseases

Periodontal diseases are bacterial infections that affect the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth.

This is the case for gingivitis (inflammation of the gums due to the accumulation of dental plaque) and periodontitis. Depending on the stage of the bacterial infection, the gum graft solution may be chosen by the dentist.

Preparation for dental treatments

Before the placement of dental implants or other surgical interventions, a gum graft may prove necessary to optimise the result, both aesthetically and functionally.

Indeed, the placement of implants requires a sufficient quantity of healthy gum tissue and a solid bone base to ensure the stability of the implant. It may therefore be recommended by your dentist.

How does the gum graft proceed?

1. The initial consultation

Everything begins with a consultation with the dentist or the periodontist. During this appointment, the specialist assesses the state of the gums, discusses any symptoms and performs a series of examinations. These examinations may include X-rays and measurements of the depth of the gum pockets in order to assess the extent of the recession.

2. The surgical procedure

On the day of the procedure, the patient is comfortably installed and local anaesthesia is administered to numb the area to be treated. Several graft techniques exist; the choice depends on the case:

• Connective tissue graft: this is the most frequent covering method. The dentist takes a small piece of tissue from under a thin layer of skin from the palate. This tissue is then sutured onto the area of gingival recession.
• Free gingival graft: this graft consists in taking a small piece of tissue, also called a graft, directly from the surface of the palate, and then grafting it onto the area where the loosening is visible. This technique is often used to thicken thin gums.
• Pedicled graft: this method uses good-quality gum tissue located near the recession. This tissue, called a flap, is moved to cover the exposed root without being entirely detached.

3. Post-operative measures

After the graft, particular care is necessary to ensure proper healing.

In terms of oral hygiene, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and respect the instructions for cleaning teeth and gums. An antiseptic mouthwash may be advised in order to prevent infections.

It is recommended to consume rather soft foods and to avoid hard or crunchy dishes, as well as hot drinks.

The dentist usually prescribes painkillers to calm the pain.

A second follow-up appointment may be offered a few weeks after the intervention, in order to check the healing and remove the sutures if necessary.

How much does a gum graft cost?

The price of a gum graft depends on several parameters. Depending on the extent of the case and the graft technique chosen, the intervention may cost more or less for the patient. Its cost can thus vary between €500 and €3,000 in France.

The gum graft is not reimbursed by Social Security in France; however, certain complementary insurances cover all or part of the dental costs.