Gum Graft Guide: Who Needs It, Methods, Recovery and Limits of Results
A gum graft is surgery in which gum tissue taken from another part of the mouth, such as the palate, is moved to a receded area to cover the exposed root or to build a band of firm gum. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA, 질병관리청) classifies it as gingival and alveolar mucosa surgery and introduces the free gingival graft and the subepithelial connective tissue graft as the main methods. Choosing the donor site is difficult and recession can recur after surgery, so the result is protected only when the plan also covers managing the cause.
Key facts
| Classification | Gingival and alveolar mucosa surgery (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal) |
|---|---|
| Main methods | Free gingival graft, subepithelial connective tissue graft (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal) |
| Purpose of surgery | Treating gum recession, forming firm gingiva, removing periodontal pockets (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal) |
| Limits | Choosing the donor site is difficult and gums can recede again after surgery, so the result is hard to predict (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal) |
| Patient share at a dental clinic when the item is covered | 30% of the total insured treatment cost (source: National Health Insurance Service (NHIS, 국민건강보험공단)) |
When is a gum graft done?
It is considered when the gums have receded and the root is widely exposed with strong sensitivity, or when little firm gum is left around the tooth neck and the risk of continued recession is high. In Korea, the KDCA describes a method of grafting gum to cover the root when the gum bone has lowered and exposed it.
For areas that show when you smile, such as the front teeth, appearance is also taken into account. However, if periodontitis is active, inflammation is first treated with scaling and root planing, and the graft is planned afterward.
If the cause of the recession is hard side-to-side brushing, a graft alone does not end the problem. The KDCA explains that such brushing pushes the gums at the tooth neck toward the root, so the order is to change the brushing method and bristles before a gum graft.
How do a free gingival graft and a connective tissue graft differ?
Both methods move tissue from your own mouth, but the layer of tissue taken and its use differ. Which method fits is decided by the dentist from the depth of recession, the thickness of the surrounding gum and the height of the bone between the teeth.
- Free gingival graft: moves gum tissue including the surface layer, used mainly to build a band of firm gum
- Subepithelial connective tissue graft: moves only the connective tissue beneath the surface and tucks it under the surrounding gum to cover it, used mainly to cover exposed roots
What is recovery like after a gum graft?
Two sites, the donor site and the graft site, must heal together, so there may be pain and discomfort for several days. Do not touch the graft site with your tongue or toothbrush, and use the prescribed medicine and mouth rinse as instructed.
While the grafted gum settles, avoid chewing on that side and eat soft food. Smoking worsens the results of periodontal treatment, so it is best to avoid it entirely during gum graft recovery.
The palate where tissue was taken can sting when food touches it, so in the early recovery period it is more comfortable to avoid spicy or hot food. If bleeding does not stop or swelling keeps getting worse, contact the dentist even before the scheduled return visit.
How long do gum graft results last?
The KDCA explains that a gum graft can cover the root, but choosing the donor site is difficult and the gums can recede again after surgery, so the result is hard to predict. If the brushing habits or gum inflammation that caused the recession remain, the chance of renewed recession rises.
After a graft as well, keeping a soft toothbrush and correct brushing method and having the gums checked every 3 to 6 months is how you protect the grafted gum.
What about the cost and health insurance for a gum graft?
Whether a gum graft is covered can depend on its purpose, method and extent, and if it is not covered, prices differ by clinic. When it is recognized as covered, outpatient patient shares such as 30% at a dental clinic and 40% at a dental hospital in a dong area apply.
At the consultation, getting in writing the number of teeth to be grafted, the tissue or substitute material to be used, and the covered or non-covered split makes it easier to compare with other clinics. Also check the cost of periodontal treatment needed before the graft.
Common myths and facts
Myth: A gum graft permanently brings receded gums back.
Gums can recede again even after a graft, and the result lasts only if the cause of the recession is managed.
Myth: A gum graft is only a cosmetic operation.
It also has a periodontal purpose: reducing sensitivity from root exposure and building firm gum to stop recession from progressing.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the tissue for a gum graft taken from?
It is usually taken from another part of your own mouth, commonly the palate. Substitute materials are sometimes used depending on the situation, so confirm at the consultation which tissue or material will be used. Cost and coverage may also differ by material.
Can the grafted gum look different in color from the surrounding gum?
Depending on the method, the grafted gum may look different in color or thickness from the surrounding gum. For a visible area such as the front teeth, it is good to discuss in advance which graft method will be used.
Is there any treatment I must have before a gum graft?
If there is gum inflammation, it is first calmed with scaling and root planing. The brushing habits that caused the recession should also be corrected before the graft so that the result lasts.
When can I chew on that side after surgery?
The time the grafted tissue needs to settle varies with the extent of surgery, so confirm it at the dentist's return visit. Until then, chewing on the other side is safer.
Is there any option other than a gum graft?
If recession is mild, sensitivity can be reduced with desensitizing agents or by restoring the worn area. The KDCA explains that for worn teeth, restorative treatment lasts longer than applying a desensitizing agent. However, when the root is widely exposed and recession continues, a gum graft becomes a candidate.