We usually perform soft tissue grafting in our Knoxville, TN office to stop the progression of receding gums. Periodontal disease and over-brushing are common causes of gum recession, although a range of factors can cause the gum line to recede. This can often lead to an exposed tooth root, which causes pain, tooth sensitivity, and even tooth decay. Gum recession can even lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
Soft tissue grafting aims to cover the exposed root and stop further damage. It improves not only your dental health but also the aesthetics of your smile. A soft tissue autograft uses tissue from the mouth to help repair the gums. An allograft uses organ donor or animal tissue to help repair the gums.
Several different soft tissue grafting procedures are available. Dr. Cain will discuss your options and choose the best option for your oral health needs.
Soft Tissue Grafting in Knoxville, TN
Before Dr. Cain performs soft tissue grafting, he will first want to identify the cause of the gum recession and treat it. For example, if you are suffering from periodontal disease, you must first get that serious disease under control before correcting the gums. Doing so ensures the procedure’s longevity and creates a healthy environment for the gums to heal properly.
At the beginning of the procedure, Dr. Cain will clean and treat the exposed root with an antibiotic. Then he will create a pocket over the recession by making a small incision. Next, he will make a small incision at the top of the mouth (your palate) and remove a piece of connective gum tissue.
This excised piece of gum tissue is placed into the pocket created by the first incision and will be repositioned to cover the exposed root. Dr. Cain will carefully apply sutures to the necessary areas and a clear adhesive to protect the graft.
Soft Tissue Grafting Aftercare
After the procedure, Dr. Cain will thoroughly explain any aftercare instruction you may need and how long your gums will need to heal completely. Adhering to minor restrictions and good oral hygiene will ensure a healthy and lasting result.
Dr. Cain will give you a special rinse to keep your gums clean and infection-free. This is to be used instead of brushing and flossing. Brushing and flossing will irritate the gum line and possibly undo the procedure. He may also prescribe an antibiotic to prevent an infection.
If you are in pain, over-the-counter pain medication will help put you at ease. After your procedure, Dr. Cain will schedule a follow-up visit to remove your stitches if they haven’t dissolved on their own and check your gums during the healing process.
We encourage patients to maintain their results with regular dental care and any personalized advice or tips our staff may provide for their unique health concerns.
Soft Tissue Grafting FAQs
Read answers to common questions about soft tissue grafting in our Knoxville,, TN dental office:
How long will recovery from soft tissue grafting take?
There may be swelling during the first few days after surgery. If necessary, the sutures will need to be removed if they don’t dissolve independently. You should see results in the weeks after surgery. Ultimately, it will take months for your gum line to heal completely.
Am I a good candidate for soft tissue grafting?
Before recommending the procedure, Dr. Cain will check your teeth and gums to make sure soft tissue grafting is the right choice for you. Some factors that help determine if you’re a good candidate include:
- Healthy teeth and gums
- Good oral hygiene habits to help with healing
- No health conditions that could slow healing like uncontrolled diabetes
If your gums are receding and causing problems, soft tissue grafting could help protect your teeth and improve your smile. Dr. Cain will discuss your options and decide if this surgery is the best solution for you.
Why would I need soft tissue grafting?
Usually, patients complain about hypersensitivity and problems associated with an exposed root. Soft tissue graft surgery can help minimize problems associated with hypersensitivity and an exposed root.
How long does it take for a soft tissue graft to heal?
Healing from a soft tissue graft generally takes about 1 to 2 weeks for the initial recovery. However, full healing of the gums can take up to 6 weeks.
Can soft tissue grafting be combined with other dental procedures?
Yes, soft tissue grafting can sometimes be done at the same time as other dental treatments:
- Dental Implants
- Crowns or Bridges
- Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
- Tooth Extractions
But not everyone can have multiple procedures at once. Dr. Cain will check your oral health and decide the best plan for you. Sometimes he’ll space out treatments for proper healing.
What can I eat after soft tissue grafting?
After a soft tissue grafting procedure, it’s important to eat soft, gentle foods that won’t irritate your gums as they heal. Here are some good options:
- Soft foods: Mashed potatoes, yogurt, pudding, applesauce, or oatmeal.
- Cool or lukewarm foods: Ice cream (without chunks), smoothies (no straw), or cold soup like tomato soup (not too hot).
- Easy-to-chew foods: Scrambled eggs, pasta, soft bread (no crust), or well-cooked rice.
- Protein-rich foods: Soft fish, tofu, or blended soups with soft vegetables.
Avoid crunchy, spicy, or sticky foods (like chips, nuts, or gum) that could hurt the healing area. Also, don’t use a straw, as sucking can pull on the graft. Stick to these gentle foods for at least the first week or until your dentist says it’s okay to eat normally.
Does a soft tissue gum graft hurt?
You shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure because local anesthesia is used to numb the area. Afterward, you may experience some discomfort or soreness at both the graft site and the area where tissue was taken. Over-the-counter pain relievers and following the post-op care we provide will manage discomfort.
Does insurance cover gum grafts?
Dental insurance coverage for gum grafts varies widely between plans. Many policies consider gum grafts a major procedure and may cover 50 to 80% of the cost. But some don’t cover them at all.
Check with your specific insurance provider to understand your benefits. We recommend patients contact their insurer directly for the most accurate information about coverage.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have receding gums, we can restore your gum line with soft tissue grafting in Knoxville, TN. Call (865) 276-7173. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Cain online.
