Gum Grafting in Berwyn, IL

Serving patients in Berwyn, Cicero, Riverside, North Riverside & Lyons

Restore Your Smile and Oral Health with Dr. Robles

Welcome to Robles Family Dental, your trusted dental care provider in Berwyn and the surrounding areas of Cicero, Riverside, and Lyons. We offer periodontal gum grafting, also known as root coverage, or refer patients to periodontal specialists when needed to help patients address gum recession and improve their oral health. Whether you’re dealing with sensitivity, exposed roots, or an uneven smile, gum grafting could be the answer. Call our Berwyn, IL, dentist today at (708) 788-4444 to schedule a consultation and start your journey to a healthier smile.

Bilingual Care for Your Comfort

Dr. Kenny Alejandro Robles provides periodontal services in both English and Spanish, ensuring every patient fully understands their treatment options and post-operative care instructions. As an active member of the Board of Trustees for the Hispanic Dental Association, Dr. Robles is committed to making quality periodontal care accessible to the Latino community throughout Berwyn, Cicero, Riverside, and Lyons. His fluency in both languages removes communication barriers and creates a more comfortable, confident experience for all patients seeking gum grafting treatment.

What Is Gum Grafting?

Gum grafting is a surgical procedure to fix gum recession. Gum recession happens when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the roots. This can lead to sensitivity, decay, and a less appealing smile. At Robles Family Dental, we use gum grafting to cover those exposed roots and protect your teeth.

Why Gum Grafting Matters

Healthy gums do more than frame your teeth; they protect them. When gums recede, exposed tooth roots become vulnerable to bacteria and decay. This can even affect your overall health, raising risks for issues like heart disease. Gum grafting with Dr. Robles stops this process, safeguarding your smile and well-being.

Gum recession can even lead to tooth loss in extreme cases. Patients seeking dental implants may require soft tissue grafting to create a more stable foundation for tooth restorations.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Understanding the causes of gum recession can help you prevent or address it effectively. Here are the primary factors that contribute to gum recession:

Aggressive Brushing: Using too much force or a hard-bristle toothbrush can gradually wear away gum tissue.
Periodontal Disease: Plaque and tartar buildup can inflame gums, eventually causing recession if untreated. Scaling and root planing can prevent gum disease from progressing.
Genetics: Some individuals inherit thinner or weaker gums, making them more susceptible to recession.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Excessive grinding or clenching stresses gums, leading to their retreat.
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations during pregnancy or menopause can make gums more vulnerable.
Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco damages gum tissue and speeds up recession.
Misaligned Teeth: Uneven teeth or bite issues can place extra pressure on specific gum areas.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Inconsistent brushing and flossing allow plaque to accumulate, raising recession risk.

Types of Gum Grafts

Several gum grafting techniques can address recession:

Connective Tissue Grafts: The most common method, this procedure uses tissue from beneath a flap in the roof of your mouth. The tissue is placed over the exposed root and secured with sutures. This technique offers natural-looking, durable results.
Free Gingival Grafts: Tissue is taken directly from the roof of your mouth and attached to the area needing more gum tissue. This method is ideal when thicker gums are required to tackle severe recession.
Pedicle Grafts: If you have enough gum tissue near the recession site, tissue can be partially cut and stretched over the exposed root. This method has a high success rate because the graft retains its blood supply.
Allograft: In some cases, tissue from a donor source can be used instead of taking tissue from your own mouth, eliminating the need for a second surgical site.

Dr. Robles will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate grafting technique for your needs. For periodontal care near you, call (708) 788-4444.

Benefits of Gum Grafting

Gum grafting offers several advantages. Here’s why patients choose this treatment:

Better Oral Health: Covering exposed roots lowers the risk of decay and further recession.
Less Sensitivity: Say goodbye to pain from hot or cold foods.
Improved Look: Receding gums make teeth appear long or uneven. Grafting restores a natural gum line.
Dental Implant Support: For implant patients, grafting strengthens gum tissue around the implant.
Lasting Results: With good care, your gums can stay healthy for years.

The Gum Grafting Procedure

Curious about the gum grafting process? Depending on the complexity of your case, Dr. Robles may perform your gum grafting in our Berwyn Dental office or refer you to a periodontal specialist with advanced surgical facilities. Either way, we’ll ensure you receive the highest quality care. Here’s what happens:

Examination: We check your gums to plan the best approach.
Dental Sedation: Local numbing keeps you comfortable during the procedure.
Tissue Harvest: Tissue comes from your palate or another source.
Graft Placement: We stitch the tissue over the exposed roots.
Recovery Guidance: You’ll get tips on eating soft foods and keeping the area clean.
Follow-Up: We monitor healing with check-ins.

The procedure is straightforward, and healing usually takes a few weeks. We make it as smooth as possible for you.

woman looking at her new smile at the dentist's office

Recovery and Aftercare for Gum Grafting

After your gum grafting procedure, proper care ensures optimal healing:

First 24 Hours: Some bleeding and discomfort are normal. Use prescribed pain medication as directed and apply ice packs to reduce swelling.
Diet: Stick to soft, cool foods for the first few days. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods that could irritate the surgical site.
Oral Hygiene: Avoid brushing or flossing the treated area for the first week. Use a prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash to keep the area clean.
Activity Level: Rest and avoid strenuous activity for several days to promote healing and reduce bleeding risk.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications can manage discomfort during the healing process.

Most patients return to normal activities within a week, though complete healing of the graft takes several weeks to months.

Preventing Gum Recession

Gum grafting fixes recession, but prevention helps too. Try these steps:

Brush Gently: Use a soft toothbrush and light pressure.
Floss Daily: Remove plaque between teeth.
Skip Smoking: Smoking harms gums and speeds up recession.
See Your Dentist: Regular dental checkups catch problems early.
Wear a Mouthguard: Grinding teeth? This protects your gums.

Good habits can keep your gums strong and reduce the need for grafting.

Who Needs Gum Grafting?

You may be a candidate for gum grafting if you experience:

Visible tooth roots or teeth that appear longer than normal
Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages
Notches or indentations at the gumline
Inflammation or bleeding along the gumline
Concerns about the appearance of your smile due to uneven gums
Gum recession around dental implants

Dr. Robles will evaluate your gum health and determine if grafting is the right solution for you.

Costs of Gum Grafting

Gum grafting costs depend on the graft type and the number of teeth treated. On average, it ranges from $600 to $1,200 per site. Insurance might cover some of it if it’s medically needed. At Robles Family Dental, we’ll give you a clear estimate during your consultation as well as discuss payment and dental financing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, gum grafting isn’t painful. The procedure uses local anesthesia to prevent discomfort during the process. Afterward, patients can usually expect some soreness or swelling for a few days. Pain relievers and proper care can ease discomfort while you heal.

Healing from gum grafting varies by person, but most feel better in a few days. Full recovery, where the soft tissue graft fully integrates, can take weeks to months. Following care instructions speeds things up.

Risks like infection or graft rejection are possible but rare following gum grafting. A skilled dentist, taking care of any gum disease beforehand, and good aftercare keep these low. Most patients have smooth recoveries with no issues.

With brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, results can last years. Gum tissue grafts become part of your gums, offering long-term protection. Maintenance and good dental hygiene are key to keeping it that way.

Restore Your Smile with Dr. Robles in Berwyn

Don’t let gum recession hold you back. Residents of Berwyn, Cicero, Riverside, and Lyons can turn to Robles Family Dental for gum grafting services or specialist referrals when needed. Our periodontal service near you restores gums around teeth and implants, giving you a healthier, more confident smile. Call us at (708) 788-4444 to book your consultation. Let’s get started on improving your oral health!