Advanced Dentistry

Gum Grafting

Your confident smile is our goal. To get it you’ll need healthy teeth and healthy gums, and you’ll need a dentist with cosmetic dentistry expertise – to get the shape, position, and color of your teeth just right for you. Whether you need porcelain veneers or a full-mouth restoration, Dr. Forbes and the team at Capital Dental Design in Richmond can help you every step of the way.

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In Richmond, VA

Gum Grafting

According to the CDC, 50% of Americans have some variation of gum disease, which develops when bacteria attaches to your teeth and multiplies to form plaque. Inflammation and irritation of surrounding tissue caused by plaque that stays on the teeth for too long eventually leads to gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. At this initial stage, which is the mildest, periodontal disease often presents itself as gum inflammation.

Progression to the next stage of gum disease (periodontitis) is likely if the issue is not diagnosed in the early stages. Typical symptoms of periodontitis include increasingly inflamed gums that bleed more easily, the development of deeper pockets between the teeth and gum tissue, and recessed gums. The deeper the pocket, the more bacteria that accumulates, which then degrades both soft and hard tissue. Infection can then more easily take place in the roots of the surrounding teeth, causing teeth to become loose, cause pain, or even fall out. When the gums have receded to this point, a gum graft may be necessary to restore the health of your gums and teeth. This simple procedure involves placement of a graft (either your own tissue or a donor's) over the recessed area, which is then stitched in place and allowed to heal.

To learn more about gum grafting, please refer to the following, or schedule an appointment today. We proudly serve patients throughout Richmond and the surrounding area, including neighborhoods like Southampton, Stratford Hills, Westover Hills, Bon Air, Libbie and Grove, Church Hill, The Fan, Westham, Museum District, and Mooreland Farms.

At Capital Dental Design, we are committed to providing you with effective, considerate care and helping you get the bright, beautiful smile you have always wanted!

Your smile is a reflection of your personality.

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dental design
Today.

804.320.8894

Call us. You will be glad you did.

Advantages of Gum Grafting

There are several unique and important advantages to gum grafting, which include the following:

  • Prevents further gum recession
  • Strengthens and stabilizes your gums
  • Decreases tooth sensitivity
  • Prevents tooth loss and protects the roots from decay
  • Prevents buildup of plaque
  • Reduces risk of developing gum disease
  • Restores your natural, healthy-looking smile, which can increase your confidence, improve your social life, and may even create new professional opportunities
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About the

Gum Grafting Process

The gum grafting process will begin with an initial consultation, during which Dr. Forbes will evaluate and scan your mouth to determine if gum grafts are the right treatment option for you. If so, Dr. Forbes will determine which type of graft is best suited to meet your needs. At your follow up appointment, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area where the graft will be placed. Dental sedation is also available to ensure you experience minimal discomfort and are able to remain relaxed while the procedure is performed. If the grafting material is being taken from your palate, Dr. Forbes will make a small incision and remove the necessary tissue. Once the graft is ready, it is placed over the area of recession and sutured into place.

Aftercare Instructions

Aftercare instructions will be provided following your gum grafting procedure. It is important to closely follow these and the following instructions to reduce your risk of complications and have a fast recovery period. You may experience swelling, mild discomfort, and sensitivity, which can be managed with OTC pain relieving medication and/or ice packs. If prescribed pain-relieving medication and/or antibiotics, take as directed. It is important to not brush or floss the graft site for at least ten days following the procedure, after which you can brush the area with a soft toothbrush for 2-4 days, then resume your normal brushing routine.

Once you have fully recovered, you can resume normal hygiene practices, although it may be possible that the reason the gum graft was necessary in the first place is that you have not been taking proper care of your oral health. Make a habit of brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily and follow a balanced diet that is not overloaded with foods that are sugary or acidic. Additional steps you can take include drinking more water, especially after every meal, and using a fluoride mouthwash and/or toothpaste.

Finally, the most important step you can take to preserve your oral health and avoid the need for procedures such as gum grafting is to schedule a regular examination with us at least twice a year, or with greater regularity if you are at an increased risk of developing oral health issues. These visits ensure that Dr. Forbes can evaluate your oral health and identify issues before they develop into something worse. They also allow us to perform one of our three types of dental exams: a limited exam (for specific concerns), comprehensive exam (thorough examination of your overall oral health followed by treatment recommendations), or our signature exam (which includes the comprehensive exam as well as a full head and neck exam and ideas for a Digital Smile Design).

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We Create Confident Smiles

At Capital Dental Design, we help you smile with confidence.

Cost of Gum Grafting

Several factors will determine the total cost of gum grafting, such as the severity of your case, if dental sedation is necessary, and whether the procedure is covered (and if so, how much) by your dental insurance plan. Prior to scheduling any procedure, we will discuss the anticipated costs, verify your benefits (if applicable) to determine out-of-pocket costs, and answer any questions you may have about billing.

If you are not covered under a dental insurance plan, or if you are simply interested in saving money, consider joining the Capital Dental Design Membership Plan. Although we make every effort to keep our services affordable for all patients, joining our membership plan allows us to save you even more money by covering the cost of preventive care such as cleanings, exams, and routine x-rays. We also offer discounts of 10-15% on other dental services offered at our clinic. To learn more about our membership plan, payment options, or anticipated costs, contact our office today!

Call Today to Schedule a Consultation

At Capital Dental Design in Richmond, one of the main things our patients love about us is that we are a patient-centered practice. We treat our patients like family, which means we take the time to understand who you are, your medical and oral health history, and your oral health goals, because doing so allows us to do everything we can to help you and your family reach those goals.

If you have not joined us as a patient yet and/or if you would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today online or call us directly at (804) 320-8894.

We are here to brighten your smile and provide you with the personalized care you deserve!