Advanced Gum Grafting for Receding Gums in Finchley

A gum graft is a highly effective treatment if you are experiencing symptoms of gum recession. You are likely a good candidate if you have sensitive teeth because the roots are exposed, or if you are unhappy with the long in the tooth appearance caused by receding gums. This procedure is also essential from a health perspective, as exposed roots are more vulnerable to decay and further bone loss. For example, a patient from North Finchley came to us with severe sensitivity to cold drinks. The graft completely resolved her discomfort by covering the exposed root surface. Another patient from East Finchley was concerned about the aesthetics of his smile; the graft restored a natural, healthy looking gum line.

Your treatment begins with a 60 minute consultation at our Finchley practice, where we use digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to assess the extent of your gum recession and plan the surgery. The procedure itself typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes and is performed under local anaesthetic, so you feel no pain. First, a small piece of tissue is carefully taken, usually from the roof of your mouth, and then it is precisely stitched into place over the exposed tooth root. We use microscopic techniques to ensure the best possible integration and healing. You will have a follow up appointment about 1-2 weeks later to check on healing and remove any stitches. The full healing and integration process can take a few months.

Proper aftercare is key to a successful outcome. For the first 24-48 hours expect some swelling and mild discomfort, which is easily managed with over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. You must stick to a soft food diet for the first week to avoid disturbing the graft. Avoid strenuous exercise for 3-4 days and do not brush or floss the treated area until advised it is safe to do so. A special mouthwash will be provided to keep the area clean. Long term, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential to prevent future recession. Red flags requiring immediate contact include persistent bleeding, increasing pain after day 3, or signs of infection like pus. Please call us during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience any of these symptoms.

Gum grafting remains the preferred treatment for recession, though other options may suit some cases. For very mild cases, we might recommend simply monitoring the area and improving your brushing technique to prevent it from worsening. Another option is using composite bonding material to cover the exposed root, which is less invasive but not as durable or natural looking as a graft. Special desensitising agents can also be applied to reduce sensitivity, though this does not address the underlying recession. During your consultation, we will discuss all available choices to determine what fits your specific clinical needs and goals.

To make an informed choice, it is important to ask the right questions, whether you are consulting with us or another practice in North London. Consider asking: What is your success rate with this procedure? Where will the graft tissue be taken from? What type of graft technique will you be using and why? What are the total costs, including the consultation, surgery, and all follow-up visits? What specific aftercare instructions will I need to follow? And finally, what can I do to prevent gum recession from happening again in other areas of my mouth?

As a private dental practice, we provide fully transparent pricing. The cost for a gum graft procedure in London can vary depending on the complexity and number of teeth involved, but typically ranges from £600 to £1,200 per tooth. Your personalised treatment plan will provide a clear, all inclusive quote with no hidden fees, covering the surgery, anaesthetic, and follow-up care. We accept several major private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our reception team with your policy details so we can help you understand your coverage before beginning treatment.