703-566-1990

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703-566-1990

ORAL SURGERY WASHINGTON DC

WASHINGTON, DC || ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA || RESTON, VIRGINIA

1016 NORTH HIGHLAND STREET,
ARLINGTON, VA, 22201

Gum Grafting

Gum Recession Surgery

At Pashapour Oral + Facial Surgery in Washington, DC, we offer gum grafting to treat gum recession. Certain oral conditions, such as gingivitis, can have a negative impact on the health of your gums. When gingivitis, bacteria, and plaque begin to build up, the gums may stretch. Large pockets may develop. This makes your gums recede, resulting in an abnormally large amount of the tooth being exposed. Some patients may require gum grafting because they have genetically recessing or thinning gums. While gum recession is cosmetically unappealing, it also causes the delicate structures of the tooth root to become visible.

What is a gum graft?

Gum grafting is a procedure that involves harvesting portions of your own gum tissue and using these grafts to help restore areas of depleted gum volume. Gum grafting is often used as a treatment in patients who are experiencing gum recession as a result of gingivitis. In addition to gum recession being aesthetically unappealing, it also can expose the roots of your teeth, causing pain and increasing your chance of developing a disease or infection. During a gum graft, small portions of gum tissue are typically harvested from the roof of your mouth and implanted at the base of the teeth that are experiencing gum recession. This gum graft will, in time, grow with your existing gum tissue, helping protect the roots of your teeth.

What types of gum grafts are available?

Gum graft surgery may include soft tissue grafts, free gingival grafts, allografts, and pedicle grafts. Soft tissue grafts are one of the most common types of gum grafts available that are used to treat root exposure. A soft tissue graft uses connective tissues from the roof of your mouth. To harvest these tissues, a small flap must be made in the roof of your mouth. The connective tissues are then sutured to the gum tissue of teeth that are experiencing root exposure. Once the connective tissues have been harvested, the flap will be carefully sutured closed.

Free gingival grafts are similar to soft tissue grafts and also use tissue from the roof of your mouth to restore your gumline. The main difference is that instead of making a flap and harvesting the connective tissue beneath, free gingival grafts use a small amount of tissue that is removed directly from the roof of your mouth. This tissue will then be sutured to the gumline that is being treated. Free gingival grafts are mostly used in patients who are experiencing gum thinning.

Allografts are a form of gum grafting that use alternative material so that harvesting your own tissue is not necessary. Allografting uses tissues donated from another individual. The main benefit with allografts is that you will not have to have an incision placed in the roof of your mouth as there is no need to harvest any tissue.

Pedicle grafts do not use harvested tissue from the palate and, instead, use excess tissue from the gums surrounding the tooth or teeth that need repair. A flap of tissue is made into the surrounding gum tissue, but it remains attached by at least 1 edge. This flap, which is known as a pedicle, is then pulled over the exposed tooth roots in order to cover the area of gum recession. The pedicle will then be sutured into place and set to heal.

Types Of Gum Grafts
Soft Tissue Grafts
Uses Connective Tissue Harvested From A Flap On The Roof Of The Mouth Require Sutures At Donor Site Flap Is Closed
Free Gingival Grafts
Uses Tissues Harvested From The Roof Of The Mouth Does Not Require Sutures At Donor Site No Flap
Allografts
Uses Donor Tissues Does Not Use A Donor Site No Flap
Pedicle Grafts
Uses An Adjacent Flap Of Excess Tissue Near Treatment Area Donor Site Is Adjacent To Treatment Site Flap Is Positioned Over Treatment Site And Closed

When is gum grafting recommended?

Gum grafting is recommended if you are experiencing any form of gum recession, thinning, or damage. Gum recession often occurs in the later stages of gingivitis, which causes the roots of the teeth to become exposed. Additionally, trauma or injury to the gumline may cause additional portions of the tooth to become exposed, which can increase your risk of an oral disease. Finally, gum grafting is also recommended for patients with thin gums.

What should I expect after gum grafting?

Your recovery from gum grafting will depend on a variety of factors, including if your own tissues were harvested for the procedure, how much tissue needed to be harvested, and the severity of gum thinning or recession you are having treated. Following gum grafting, you should not brush over or floss the surgical sites. You will be supplied with an antimicrobial mouthwash to use as your mouth heals. A diet of softer foods may be suggested as you recover from gum grafting. Medication can be used to reduce any discomfort you may have following your gum grafting procedure. The majority of patients feel well enough to return to work or normal activities in just 1-2 days. Dr. Pashapour and his surgical team can answer any questions you may have about gum grafting or recovery after a gum graft during your consultation at our Washington, DC office.

How can I get started with gum grafting?

Dr. Pashapour and his staff at Pashapour Oral + Facial Surgery would be happy to discuss the details of a gum grafting with you. To schedule an appointment in Washington, DC or Arlington, please call our office at 703-566-1990 or request an appointment online.

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What Our
Patients Say ...

Very positive experience with Dr. Pashapour and his surgical team! I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed and had a speedy recovery. He explained the procedure and after-care in a clear way and politely addressed all of my concerns. Would recommend.

- Joseph J.

Dr. Pashapour is wonderful. He did an excellent job of extracting my impacted wisdom teeth. Dr. Pashapour and his staff were very kind and answered all my questions during the initial consultation. All in all, I've had a very pleasant experience with this office. Thank you.

- Nodir Z.

Dr. Pashapour was thorough and as gentle as possible. I had two follow-up appointments and never felt as if my concerns were dismissed or that I was being annoying. His staff are gracious, friendly, helpful, and very kind. While I hope to not need any more oral surgery, if I do, I will return to Dr. Pashapour and recommend him highly.

- Kate B.

Dr. Pashapour and his staff were highly professional and so nice! They really took the time to explain everything in detail and take care of even the most minute details for me. I had been looking for a dental office like this for a long time and am so glad to have finally found it. Overall, I am extremely pleased – will be recommending this office to everyone!

- Essie Z.

I had my 3 wisdom teeth removed under IV sedation by Dr. Pashapour. He did an excellent job of explaining everything (options, pre-op, post-op expectations, etc.) Scheduling was flexible and easy. No post-operative swelling, infection, or complications. Great experience overall. Highly recommend!

- David C.

I recently paid a visit to Dr. Pashapour for the extraction of two wisdom teeth and the experience was excellent. The office is beautiful. The staff were pleasant and helpful. Dr. Pashapour was very professional, friendly and did a great job on my teeth, and the overall process was as enjoyable as it could be. I would definitely recommend this office to others

- Sacha M.

What an awesome office! I did my research and Dr. Pashapour always rose to the top. He was super friendly and honest. Him and his staff made me feel right at home. Recovery time was insanely fast too (probably due to his expertise.) 10/10 would recommend.

- Jeremy L.

My experience getting all 4 wisdom teeth removed at Dr. Pashapour’s office was as smooth as possible! The entire staff was very helpful answering questions, scheduling appointments, getting situated on the day of surgery, and helping me get back to normal post-procedure. I would definitely recommend Dr. Pashapour to anyone!

- Shawn F.

Dr. Pashapour and his staff are wonderful. Their first concern is that of the patient and they work together well to ensure a comfortable and seamless experience. They are sensitive and caring and listen well. I highly recommend Dr. Pashapour.

- Michele Y.

Dr. Pashapour feels now like an old friend, even though I only saw him twice. He is wonderfully welcoming and kind. I recovered exactly as he said I would from my wisdom teeth removal. I was given exactly the right amount of medicine and ample information about how to take care of my teeth post-op. If you need your wisdom teeth removed, this is the place to do it.

- Dylan Galt.

Wonderful experience as a patient of Dr. Pashapour! Working on my first tooth implant and from consultation to post-surgery, Dr. Pashapour has been incredibly kind and professional every step of the way. Along with an incredibly friendly staff and A+ office, you are in great hands here!

- Jeff R.

Fast to get in for an appointment. The front office staff was absolutely amazing, friendly and knowledgeable. The nurse and Dr. Pashapour were funny and made me feel so comfortable with how nervous I was with getting my wisdom teeth removed. Highly will recommend this office to all friends and family :)

- Krista A.

Great experience. Got my top two wisdom teeth removed. Surgery was done in no time and recovery was nearly painless. On top of that, Dr. Pashapour and his staff are all kind and attentive. Totally recommend his services.

- Andrea B.

My experience at Dr. Pashapour’s office was incredible! The entire staff was super kind and sweet. They really did an amazing job at explaining everything to me at the consultation in order for me to prep for surgery! The day of surgery I felt fine! I will be recommending Dr. Pashapour to all of my friends in need of wisdom teeth extractions. Go see him he’s the best!

- Bianca G.

Staff here is absolutely wonderful and Dr. Pashapour was great. I had complications with my wisdom teeth and they fit me in so quickly to get them out and help with the pain. I hardly had any swelling and any time I’ve needed anything all I had to do was call and they took care of it! I would highly recommend them!

- Alecia D.

This has been by far the best experience I’ve had in all my dental history. Dr. Pashapour is not only knowledgeable but he is very charming and honest. The staff here are extremely patient and friendly. I’d recommend to anyone having oral surgery!

- Kyla H.

They are really friendly, helpful, and professional. They will answer any questions you are concerned about. The staff always have a smile on. I had my wisdom teeth removed and they took care of me. I really recommend doctor Pashapour for anyone that needs to get oral or facial surgery.

- Ragda A.

Dr. Pashapour did a wonderful job with my wisdom teeth extraction. I was very nervous about the whole process but he made me feel at ease with his warm and energetic personality and a great sense of humor. The nurses and staff were also very friendly and welcoming. I HIGHLY recommend him!

- Faryal N.

Dr. Pashapour is wonderful! I've now had three implants and all have went well. The office is very nice and the staff is excellent.

- Ann M.

Dr. Pashapour and his staff are fantastic. They did a great job removing my wisdom teeth and are very professional. They care a great deal about their patients and their expertise really shows in everything they do. Would highly recommend!

- George M.