Are You a Good Candidate for Gum Grafting or Is It Too Late

Gum recession is a dental issue that worsens over time, revealing more of your tooth roots. If you spot your gums receding, acting promptly is key. The sooner the treatment, the better the results.

Among the different solutions, many opt for gum grafting surgery. But are you the right candidate? Is it too late? Do you even need it at all?

In this blog post, we'll cover all your questions about the viability of the gum graft option – whether you're a suitable candidate and if it's still the right time for it.

When Would You Need a Gum Graft?

Gum grafting is a procedure that can be very beneficial for addressing receding gums. However, not everyone with gum recession needs a gum graft.

If the recession is stable and not causing any sensitivity or cosmetic issues, you may not need a gum graft.

Maintaining optimal daily oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth with the right technique, cleaning between your teeth, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups, may be all you need to stop your gums from receding and prevent further problems.

However, in some instances, a gingival graft is necessary to address specific concerns. This is particularly the case for:

• Tooth Sensitivity: If you experience tooth sensitivity due to exposed roots, a gum graft can help cover these areas and increase your comfort.


• High Risk of Root Decay: When the roots of your teeth are exposed, they become more susceptible to decay. A gum graft can provide a protective barrier, reducing the risk of root decay.


• Cosmetic Concern: This is the case when your primary concern is your smile appearance. A gum graft can be a good option to restore a more natural gum line.


• Progressing Recession: If your gums tend to pull back and worsen despite treatment efforts, a gingival graft can be considered to halt their progression.

A gum graft is not the first step in addressing receding gums

The primary goal of gum grafting is to cover exposed roots, stop the progression of recessions, and strengthen your gums to prevent future damage.

However, surgery isn't the initial step. Our priority is to eliminate the root cause before considering grafting to ensure stable outcomes and prevent a potential recurrence.

Gum disease, trauma, or a combination of both are often the main culprits behind receding gums. The first step is to correct these underlying issues.

This can involve correcting your brushing technique, using a softer toothbrush, and undergoing deep teeth cleaning, known as scaling and root planing.

Once these factors have been addressed, and your gums are healthy and plaque-free, we can assess whether you are a good candidate for gum grafting.

Is Anyone a Good Candidate for Gum Grafting?

If you find yourself in the following situations, a gingival graft may not be the best option for you, at least not yet:

• The root cause is not properly addressed


• Your gums are inflamed and unhealthy


• Poor oral hygiene


• Significant plaque buildup on your teeth and gums


• Difficulty in maintaining proper plaque control at home


• Presence of a medical condition that precludes surgery.

Like any surgical procedure, gum grafting carries some risks, especially for individuals with certain medical conditions. These risks include:

• High Risk of Remote Infection: If you have a medical condition or take medications that weaken your immune system, you may be at a higher risk of developing infections. During surgery, certain bacteria from the mouth can reach the bloodstream and affect other organs, such as the heart, lungs, or brain. In such cases, gum grafting may not be recommended, or additional steps may be necessary to minimize the risk of complications.


• High Risk of Bleeding: Some medical conditions or medications can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. If you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners, your dentist may require blood tests to assess this risk.


• Diabetes: People with diabetes may face slower healing and a heightened infection risk. Yet, those with well-managed blood sugar levels are generally deemed healthy and could be candidates for surgery.


• Heavy Smoking: If you are a heavy smoker, your dentist may advise you to quit or cut back on smoking before considering the procedure. Tobacco is packed with numerous harmful substances that irritate the gums and constrict blood vessels. This can impact the healing process and increase the risk of graft failure.

Is It Too Late for a Gum Grafting Procedure?

There are instances where a gum grafting procedure may not be feasible or effective. In other words, it may be too late to restore the losses incurred. Some of these situations include:

• Severe Bone Loss: If more than two-thirds of the bone supporting the tooth has been destroyed by gum disease, it may be challenging to save the tooth or treat the recession through gum grafting procedures. In such cases, the tooth's chances of survival in the years to come are very low.


• Excessive Tooth Mobility: If the tooth is extremely loose and prone to falling out, gum grafting may not be a suitable solution. Tooth extraction might be the last resort. Next, the missing tooth can be replaced by an implant or other option.


• Extensive Tooth Damage: When a tooth is so severely damaged by decay or fracture that it can't be restored properly, again, there's no point in considering a gum graft, and tooth extraction may be the most reasonable option.

When it's too late to cover the exposed roots?

As mentioned above, gum recession is a condition that tends to worsen over time (when left untreated).

Initially, it only affects the front side of the tooth. But later, it extends further to affect the spaces between the teeth. The gum between the teeth is called interdental papilla.

When the interdental papilla is lacking or thinning, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to achieve complete root coverage.

When a gum graft is placed and stitched, it relies on the blood supply primarily from the recipient site, including the interdental papilla and its underlying bone.

If the recession has eaten away too much of these structures, the gingival graft will be poorly supported and will not receive enough blood supply. Therefore, it will not survive completely, resulting in less predictable long-term results.

A gum graft isn't just about covering up receding gums

A gingival graft doesn't necessarily aim to cover the exposed root. It can also be helpful in thickening tissues and halting the progression of the disease. For this end, the most commonly used technique is free gingival grafting.

So, even if complete coverage of exposed roots isn't possible, it's still not too late for a gum graft. It can be a viable option to fortify your tissues and prevent additional damage.

How to Prevent Gum Recessions and Halt Their Progress

Gum recessions tend to progress and worsen over time if left untreated. Aside from your gums, they can lead to other dental issues such as sensitivities, decay, and tooth loss. Here are some tips to help you prevent gum recessions and slow down their progression:

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be gentle and use small, circular motions. Don't forget to floss daily to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth.


2. Use Proper Brushing Technique: Avoid aggressive brushing, as it can contribute to gum recession. Instead, use gentle pressure and a 45-degree angle to brush along the gumline.


3. Don't let teeth grinding ruin your oral health: This harmful habit can wear down your teeth and worsen existing gum recessions. Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth during sleep.


4. Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of gum disease and compromises gum health. Quitting smoking can significantly improve your oral health and reduce the risk of gum recession.


5. Maintain a Balanced Diet: Eat a nutritious diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. A healthy diet promotes strong gums and overall oral health.


6. Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleanings. Your dentist can detect early signs of gum recession and provide appropriate preventive measures.