A free gingival graft transplants a small piece of tissue, usually from the patient’s own palate, to an area of gum recession; the tissue is completely detached from its donor site. The aim is to stop recession from progressing and strengthen the protective tissue around the tooth by increasing attached gum. It is performed under local anesthesia.
- The site is prepared, tissue is taken from the palate and secured to the recession area with sutures.
- Overall healing takes 10 to 14 days.
- Avoiding hard foods and protecting the area in the first week is important.
- It is primarily a preventive and therapeutic procedure.
- With good oral care, the chance of recession recurring is low.
Gum recession is not just an aesthetic issue; it is also a serious dental health problem that can lead to tooth loss. The free gingival graft, which we frequently perform at our clinic in Üsküdar, is one of the most effective surgical methods used to stop gum recession and strengthen the tissues supporting the teeth.
A free gingival graft is a procedure in which a small piece of tissue, usually taken from the patient’s own palate, is transplanted to the area of gum recession. What sets it apart from other graft methods is that the tissue is completely detached from its donor site (free) and moved to its new location.
This procedure serves two main purposes:
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Stopping gum recession from progressing.
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Strengthening the protective tissue around the tooth by increasing the amount of attached gum.
How Is a Free Gingival Graft Performed?
The operation is usually performed under local anesthesia and the patient feels no pain. The process follows these steps:
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Preparation: The area of gum recession is cleaned and the site where the graft will be placed is prepared.
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Tissue Harvesting: Healthy gum tissue of the required size is taken from the palate of the patient’s upper jaw.
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Placement: The harvested tissue is secured to the recession area with fine sutures.
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Closure: The donor site on the palate may be covered with special protective materials to speed up healing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Gingival Grafts
1. Will I feel pain during the operation?
No. The procedure is carried out entirely under local anesthesia. There may be a slight ache after the operation, but this is easily controlled with painkillers recommended by your dentist.
2. How long does healing take?
Overall healing takes 10 to 14 days. During the first week, it is important to avoid hard foods and protect the area from trauma so the tissue can integrate.
3. Will there be a scar on the palate?
No. The palate (donor site) has some of the fastest-healing tissue in the body. Within a few weeks, the tissue fully regenerates and returns to its original state.
4. Is a free gingival graft done for aesthetic reasons?
An FGG operation is primarily a preventive and therapeutic procedure. In front tooth areas where aesthetic expectations are very high, a “connective tissue graft” may sometimes be preferred; however, for protecting gum health, FGG is the most reliable method.
5. Does gum recession come back after a graft?
With correct surgical treatment and good oral care by the patient afterwards (correct brushing technique, etc.), the chance of recession recurring is very low.
Why Choose Our Clinic in Üsküdar?
Gum surgery requires precision and expertise. At our Üsküdar location, we protect your gum health with our modern technological equipment and our experience in periodontology. If you are experiencing gum recession or feel sensitivity in your teeth, you can visit us for early diagnosis and treatment options.
The foundation of a healthy smile is healthy gums.
For any questions about free gingival grafts, you can contact us.
