FEATHERSTONE PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT DENTISTRY
Gum grafting is a common surgical procedure that corrects recessed gums
Over 35 years of experience with over 20,000 dental implants placed
& More than 60,000 dental surgeries performed
Gum Grafting in Rockford, Dixon, Janesville, and Madison
Patients whose gums have receded have either developed periodontal disease or are at an increased risk of doing so. One of the most common methods for correcting receded gums is gum grafting. Gum grafting is a common surgical procedure that corrects recessed gums by placing a graft over the exposed tooth root surface and grafting that tissue over the recessed area. Doing so improves the aesthetic appearance of the patient’s smile, but more importantly, reduces their risk of developing periodontal disease.
There are several different types of gum grafts that may be performed, including the following:
- Free gingival graft: Commonly used to thicken gum tissue, grafting material is tissue removed from the patient’s palate and then placed over the area where gums have receded.
- Subepithelial connective tissue graft: Most often performed to cover exposed roots, grafting material is tissue removed from the inner layer of the patient’s palate and then placed over the area where gums have receded.
- Acellular dermal matrix allograft: A popular alternative for patients who would prefer a completely non-invasive procedure, grafting material comes from donated human tissue that has been medically processed. In addition to reducing recovery time, this grafting material can also address multiple teeth, which reduces the number of surgeries required.
With over 60,000 dental surgeries performed and over 20,000 dental implants placed, you can be confident that you will receive high quality care from established professionals that is designed to meet your unique needs. To schedule an appointment for gum grafting, or if you have any additional questions concerning the procedure or clinic policies, contact our Rockford office at 815.261.1739, our Dixon office at 815.261.1739, our Janesville office at 608.208.1576, or our Madison office at 608.416.5205.
Schedule an Appointment at one of our 4 convenient locations
Rockford, ILLINOIS
1055 Featherstone Road, Suite B
Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 261-1739
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DIXON, ILLINOIS
629 North Galena Avenue, Suite 230
Dixon, IL 61201
(815) 261-1739
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JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN
111 North Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 208-1576
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MADISON, WISCONSIN
5709 Odana Rd
Madison, WI 53719
(608) 416-5205
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DR. MARK LINDMAN
Dr. Lindman is a native of Rockford. Dr. Lindman received his professional degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. His graduate training in periodontics was completed at Northwestern University College of Dentistry Where he received a Certificate Degree in Periodontics and a Master of Science degree.
DR. JEFFERY BURCH
Dr. Burch grew up in Villa Park, IL. Dr. Burch attended Eastern Illinois University, where he majored in Biochemistry. Dr. Burch earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. He received his Certificate Degree in Periodontics and Master of Science from Saint Louis University.
DR. BRANDON HULL
Dr. Hull grew up in Monmouth, IL. Dr. Hull earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University and his Certificate in Periodontics from Saint Louis University, Department of Periodontics. While at Saint Louis University, Dr. Hull completed an anesthesia program and uses sedation and pain control techniques in his practice.
DR. KATRINE ANDREASEN
Dr. Andreasen grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Clemson University. She attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry to receive her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Dr. Andreasen continued there to complete a residency in Periodontics and earned a Master of Science in Dentistry.
DR. NOVIN PISHEVAR
Dr. Novin Pishevar grew up in Carol Stream, Illinois and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Health with a focus on aging populations from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. After college, Dr. Pishevar received his dental education from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Benefits of Gum Grafting
There are many benefits patients will enjoy following a gum grafting procedure, including the following:
- Improved oral health and reduced risk of developing periodontal disease: Gum grafting stops the loss of bone and tissue and reduces the risk of developing periodontal disease, provided the patient continues practicing good oral self-care.
- Reduced sensitivity:Exposed tooth roots can make patients extremely sensitive to foods or beverages that are cold or hot. By covering these roots, this extreme sensitivity will be reduced or eliminated.
- Healthier, fuller, natural smile: Following a gum grafting procedure, patients will enjoy a smile that is more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing.
What to Expect During the Gum Grafting Process
Prior to performing the gum grafting procedure, we will conduct an in-depth dental and medical health history review to determine the underlying reason why gum grafting is necessary. This process will include an examination of your bite and for any indications of loose teeth, bone loss, TMJ, oral cancer, or signs of periodontal disease. If it is determined that the underlying issue is due to aggressive brushing, it may be necessary to begin using a soft bristle toothbrush and practice gentler brushing techniques. If gum recession is due to periodontal disease, it may be necessary to schedule a scale and root planing procedure to remove the calculus that has formed before performing the gum grafting procedure.
Once the underlying cause has been identified and addressed, the gum grafting procedure will typically begin with administration of a local anesthetic and/or sedation. Following this, tiny incisions are made to create an area around the teeth where the graft can be placed. Next, the graft is placed into this area and the gums are positioned so they cover the roots. Finally, the area is sutured shut and the healing process can begin.
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Aftercare Following Gum Grafting
Following your gum grafting procedure, it is essential to follow these and any additional post-operative instructions provided by your periodontist to minimize risks and enjoy a fast recovery.
- To reduce pain or discomfort, take the recommended dosage of prescribed painkillers and/or over-the counter medication.
- To reduce swelling, apply an ice bag over the area for ten to fifteen minutes at a time.
- Do not spit, rinse, or use a straw for the first 24 hours.
- Avoid intense physical activity and rest as much as possible for the first 24 hours.
- Eat soft foods such as applesauce, yogurt, pudding, or soup for the first two weeks and slowly reintroduce harder foods as the healing process progresses.
- Continue practicing good oral hygiene habits and scheduling regular periodontal exams to reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
By following these instructions and continuing to keep your teeth and gums clean, you will enjoy a fast healing process and can return to your normal routine as quickly as possible.
Cost of Gum Grafting
The cost of gum grafting will depend on several factors, such as whether dental sedation is used, the severity of your case, what grafting material is used, and your dental insurance plan. At Featherstone Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to providing you with high-quality, comprehensive periodontal services, which is why we provide you with flexible payment options to ensure that you receive the care you require.
If you are covered under a dental insurance plan, we do ask that you bring your insurance cards and any necessary forms with you to your appointment. We are happy to provide a pre-estimate of dental benefits prior to treatment, and will submit any receipts, forms, or other information required by your insurance company. Once insurance payment has been received, the remaining balance will be mailed to you.
Please note: our office does offer a 5% reduction in fee for full payment at the time services are provided (contingent on treatment type). We also offer extended payment plans through GreenSky Patient Solutions or Care Credit. For your convenience, we accept cash, personal check, Visa, Discover, MasterCard or American Express.
To learn more about clinic policies or schedule an appointment for gum grafting, contact our Rockford office at 815.261.1739, our Dixon office at 815.261.1739, our Janesville office at 608.208.1576, or our Madison office at 608.416.5205.