When can you need a gum graft? Dr. Javi Vilarrasa explains it to you

A gingival graft may be necessary when one or more gingival recessions are clinically observed. Recession or retraction of the gums causes the loss of gums around the tooth, which can lead to various problems of sensitivity, aesthetics and inflammation. Although sometimes they go unnoticed by the patient, gum recessions have a high risk of progressing over time, thus weakening the support of the tooth. Gum grafts are minimally invasive surgeries performed by our periodontist in Barcelona and Girona, Dr. Javi Vilarrasa, in which the gum is normally transferred from a donor area to the area to be treated to recover the lost gum and improve the prognosis of the tooth. There are several types of gum grafts, such as epithelialized free gingival graft, connective tissue graft, connective tissue graft substitutes or pedicle flaps. Each type of gum graft can be recommended depending on the depth of the recession, the quality of the gums, the number of recessions to be treated, among others. Once the surgery is done, it is very important to follow very simple post-operative instructions that will be indicated to ensure a successful and painless intervention. The application of ice, stability in the operated area, anti-inflammatory medication and chlorhexidine rinses are recommended to disinfect the surgical area. Also, it is essential to carry out periodic follow-up – especially the first 3 months – to control the clinical outcome of the surgery and to resume regular brushing in the intervened area. At Vilarrasa Clínica Dental we have Dr. Javi Vilarrasa, a specialist in Periodontics. Dr. Vilarrasa has extensive experience in performing gum grafts, always using microsurgical instruments and with the help of magnifying loupes so as not to lose any detail during the intervention and carefully manipulate the tissues. He is the author of scientific publications related to gum grafting and teaches university classes and courses on this subject.