“Do you get a gum graft during implant surgery?”
I will get a dental implant. Do you get a gum graft during implant surgery?
4 Answers
A gum graft is not typically performed during standard dental implant surgery, but it may be recommended in certain cases to improve gum health, aesthetics, or implant stability. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD, evaluates each patient’s gum and bone tissue to determine whether additional procedures, like a gum graft, are necessary for optimal implant success.
When a Gum Graft Might Be Needed with Implants
Thin or Receded Gum Tissue
If your gum tissue is thin or has receded, a gum graft may be recommended to provide more coverage over the implant area. This helps create a more natural look around the implant crown, improving aesthetics and protecting the implant post from exposure.
Improving Implant Stability
A gum graft can also provide additional support to the implant by strengthening the surrounding soft tissue. This is particularly beneficial in cases where the implant is placed in a visible area, like the front of the mouth, where thicker gum tissue enhances the stability and appearance of the implant.
Preventing Future Gum Recession
A gum graft may be performed to reduce the risk of gum recession around the implant in the future. Ensuring there is adequate gum coverage minimizes the chance of exposure or infection, helping maintain the long-term health of the implant.
Enhancing Aesthetics for Visible Teeth
For implants in the front of the mouth or other visible areas, a gum graft can create a more natural appearance by blending the implant site seamlessly with the surrounding gum tissue.
Types of Gum Grafts
If a gum graft is recommended, Dr. Egan will discuss the type of graft most appropriate for your needs. Common types include:
Connective Tissue Graft: Taken from the roof of the mouth and placed over the implant site to enhance thickness and support.
Free Gingival Graft: Adds extra tissue for strength, typically used to improve gum thickness.
Pedicle Graft: Uses tissue from the gum around the implant site, ideal if the surrounding tissue is healthy and sufficient.
Timing of Gum Grafting
Before Implant Surgery: In some cases, a gum graft may be performed before implant placement to ensure adequate gum coverage.
After Implant Placement: If necessary, a gum graft can also be performed after the implant has healed to address aesthetic concerns or tissue stability.
Dr. Jeremy Egan will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether a gum graft is needed for your implant. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, the goal is to ensure a successful, aesthetically pleasing implant outcome that enhances both function and appearance.
When a Gum Graft Might Be Needed with Implants
Thin or Receded Gum Tissue
If your gum tissue is thin or has receded, a gum graft may be recommended to provide more coverage over the implant area. This helps create a more natural look around the implant crown, improving aesthetics and protecting the implant post from exposure.
Improving Implant Stability
A gum graft can also provide additional support to the implant by strengthening the surrounding soft tissue. This is particularly beneficial in cases where the implant is placed in a visible area, like the front of the mouth, where thicker gum tissue enhances the stability and appearance of the implant.
Preventing Future Gum Recession
A gum graft may be performed to reduce the risk of gum recession around the implant in the future. Ensuring there is adequate gum coverage minimizes the chance of exposure or infection, helping maintain the long-term health of the implant.
Enhancing Aesthetics for Visible Teeth
For implants in the front of the mouth or other visible areas, a gum graft can create a more natural appearance by blending the implant site seamlessly with the surrounding gum tissue.
Types of Gum Grafts
If a gum graft is recommended, Dr. Egan will discuss the type of graft most appropriate for your needs. Common types include:
Connective Tissue Graft: Taken from the roof of the mouth and placed over the implant site to enhance thickness and support.
Free Gingival Graft: Adds extra tissue for strength, typically used to improve gum thickness.
Pedicle Graft: Uses tissue from the gum around the implant site, ideal if the surrounding tissue is healthy and sufficient.
Timing of Gum Grafting
Before Implant Surgery: In some cases, a gum graft may be performed before implant placement to ensure adequate gum coverage.
After Implant Placement: If necessary, a gum graft can also be performed after the implant has healed to address aesthetic concerns or tissue stability.
Dr. Jeremy Egan will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether a gum graft is needed for your implant. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, the goal is to ensure a successful, aesthetically pleasing implant outcome that enhances both function and appearance.
Not always, but you could need one depending on the situation. Up to the doctor's discretion
No. Maybe a bone graft.
Very often gingival grafts are required around implants
