Telltale Signs Of A Failed Gum Graft
If you have noticed a strange white patch of tissue that seems to have come off your tooth, you might be worried it’s a sign of a failed gum graft. Gum grafts are procedures to fix receding gums and expose tooth roots. But sometimes, things don’t go as expected.
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Why Do Gum Grafts Fail?
There are several reasons why a gum graft might not succeed. These can include mistakes during surgery, not taking good care of your gums after surgery, your immune system’s health, and getting an infection where the graft was done. Learning about the following reasons can help you understand how often gum grafts don’t work out.
- Surgery Mistakes: Sometimes, if the graft isn’t put in the right place or isn’t secured properly, it can move or be rejected.
- Not Taking Care After Surgery: If you don’t follow the instructions your dentist gives you after the surgery, it can make it harder for the graft to work.
- Your Body’s Defense System: If you have health problems or your immune system isn’t strong, it can slow down the healing process.
- Infections: Bacteria getting into the area where the graft was done can stop it from healing properly.
How to Tell If a Gum Graft is Failing?
You might notice if a gum graft hasn’t worked by seeing changes in your gums or feeling different sensations. Following is what to look for:
- Pain That Doesn’t Go Away: Some discomfort is normal after a gum graft, but if the pain sticks around or worsens when you eat or talk, it could mean the graft didn’t work.
- Swelling That Doesn’t Improve: It’s normal for your gums to swell after surgery, but if the swelling doesn’t go down as it should, there might be a problem with the graft.
- Gums Still Going Back: If you see your gums receding again after the surgery, it could mean the graft didn’t succeed.
- Sensitive or Bleeding Gums: If your gums still hurt or bleed even after they have healed, it could mean the graft didn’t work right.
- Tooth Roots Still Exposed: The point of a gum graft is to cover up tooth roots. If they’re still exposed after the surgery, the graft didn’t do its job.
- Grafted Tissue Looks Different: If the grafted tissue doesn’t blend in with your natural gums and looks like a white patch, it could mean the graft failed.
- Infections Keep Coming Back: If you keep getting infections in your gums, even after the surgery, it could be a sign that the graft didn’t work.
Gum Graft Failed: What Should Be Done?
If you notice the symptoms of gum graft failure, the following should be your next course of action:
- Contact Your Dentist or Periodontist: Get in touch with your dental specialist. They can figure out what’s wrong and decide what to do next.
- Stick to the Treatment Plan: Follow your dentist’s instructions. This might mean taking medicine for any infection or to manage pain.
- Another Graft Might Be Needed: Sometimes, the first graft doesn’t work, and you might need to have the procedure again.
- Explore Other Options: If a graft isn’t the right choice for you, your dentist can talk to you about other treatments that might help.
What Our Patients Say
for the Dental Specialists of Pearland
Love the staff and dentists at this office. Incredibly kind! Always willing to work with you trying to figure out the best option. They are so knowledgeable and thorough. Dr Cabrera is patient and professional and has treated me on time every time. I wish more doctors’ office were run like this.
Maggie Lentz
Wonderful staff and Dr. Cabrera is great! Allowed my wife back for the consultation so i didn’t have to remember anything. Not a fan of doctor's in general, but Dr. Cabrera put me st ease. Highly recomend if you need extensive work.
Donald Hofstetter
Dr. Sauceda did an excellent job, talked me through the procedure and followed up with very useful information and suggestions. I highly recommend him for his expertise and professionalism.
Rochella Cooper
The clinic staff is very friendly and respectful. Dr. Sauceda is a brilliant and meticulous professional with his work. I feel like my dental health is in good hands. Thank you for your extraordinary service!
Eduardo Garcia
Great service and friendly staff. Dr. Sauceda and his team is the best! They welcome you like family and take care of all your dental needs with the highest degree of professionalism and empathy. I recommend Dental Specialists Of Pearland to all of my friends and family. Please give them a try, you won’t regret it.
Roberto Soluren
Dr Sauceda is very patient and always makes a big effort to assist his patients no matter the circumstance. If anyone is in need of an implant specialist or denture specialist (dual board certified) in Pearland, he is your go to doctor!!
Simon Wong
Final Word
Providing a gum graft is the best option your dentist has in case of receding gums. However, a failed gum graft can make you lose hope. The good news is that gum grafts have a high success rate if you are an overall healthy individual.
Visit Dr. Ruben Sauceda at Dental Specialists of Pearland. Our board-certified periodontist is eager to participate in your dental journey. Call us at (713) 436-7697 to book an appointment.