What is the Success Rate for a Free Gingival Graft?
If you look at your smile in the mirror, perhaps you notice your teeth looking longer than before. This is not because your teeth are growing! This could mean that your gums are actually receding. Gum recession is a condition that, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems, including hypersensitivity, tooth loss, and bone loss. Fortunately, medicine is not powerless in this case and there are two ways to treat recession: CTG and FGG. What is the difference between these procedures and what is their success rate? We will answer these and other questions in this article.
CTG, FGG. What does it mean? What is the difference between these procedures?
Subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG – Connective Tissue Graft) – A soft tissue graft taken from the palate and sewn under the gum in the recipient site, increasing its thickness. Free gingival graft (FGG – Free Gingival Graft) – A soft tissue graft taken from the palate and sewn into the recipient site in the form of a “patch”, widening the keratinized gum zone.
When should you undergo the procedure?
Undergoing the procedure is necessary in cases of gum tissue deficiency, either in thickness or height. This is important because recession can lead to more serious diseases.
How to prepare for the procedure?
It is very important to perform dental hygiene before the procedure and receive instructions on how to brush your teeth properly because gum recession can be caused by improper oral hygiene.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure takes about an hour, but it should be remembered that sometimes it is combined with another procedure. Then its duration is naturally longer.
How much surface can be covered in one procedure?
During one visit to the dentist's office, the gums can be covered to the length of 3-4 teeth. This depends on the possibility of taking the graft from the palate.
Does it hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is virtually painless. There will be some soreness in the grafted areas after anesthesia wears off, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
How long does it take for the recipient site to heal?
It takes two to four weeks for the gums to heal after the procedure.
How long does it take to regenerate the palate?
The healing itself takes about a month, and the next graft can be taken from the same place after 3 months.
What is the success rate for a Free Gingival Graft?
In healthy mouths, the success rate for the Free Gingival Graft is over 90%. We will do a complete health history and behavioral analysis to make sure you are a good candidate for the procedure, which maximizes the chance of success.
Can gum recession be stopped using non-surgical methods?
unfortunately, non-surgical methods, such as various types of gum massages, biostimulation, laser irradiation, or others, are not able to restore the condition of the gums before the recession occurred. They can stop its progression, but a similar effect will be achieved after eliminating the cause of the recession.
In Conclusion
A Free Gingival Graft is one of the options you have for restoring your gums if they are receding. It has a very high success rate and is an optimal way to restore your smile. Contact us today for more information or to make an appointment to have your gums checked out!