Experienced Gum Graft Treatment in North London

Notice gum recession signs. The gum tissue pulls back from the tooth and exposes the root surface. This is common in adults. Seek a consultation if you have persistent tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, teeth that look longer, or a visible notch at the gum line. Some patients want treatment for cosmetic reasons to restore a smooth gum line. If you live in North London and recognize these signs, a professional assessment is the first step.

The graft process takes place over a few visits. Your first 60-minute consultation includes a thorough exam and a discussion of options. We use digital imaging to plan the procedure with precision. The surgery itself lasts 60 to 90 minutes per site and uses local anaesthetic, so you feel comfortable. During the procedure, a small piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth is placed and sutured over the recession area. We use dental operating microscopes to ensure accuracy. A follow-up appointment is scheduled for 7 to 14 days later to check healing and remove stitches. The full healing and integration take several weeks.

Your comfort and healing are the focus after the procedure. In the first 24 to 48 hours expect mild to moderate discomfort and swelling, managed with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. We provide a special mouthwash and instructions to avoid brushing the surgical site for about a week. You should follow a soft food diet for 7 to 10 days, avoiding hard, crunchy, or spicy items. Most patients return to non-strenuous work within a couple of days. Long term, maintain excellent oral hygiene and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect the graft and prevent future recession. A 45-year-old from Muswell Hill sought relief from severe sensitivity. After a connective tissue graft, he followed a soft food diet for 10 days. At his two-week follow-up the tenderness had faded and sensitivity was gone.

Complications are rare. Call during office hours if you have severe or increasing pain after day 3, persistent bleeding that does not stop with pressure, a fever above 38 C, or pus or a foul smell from the site. For emergencies outside hours, visit A&E or call NHS 111 for guidance.

While a gum graft is often the best solution, other options exist depending on the case. For very minor recession without sensitivity, we may monitor the area and help you improve brushing technique to prevent worsening. In some cases the pinhole surgical technique is an option, which is less invasive but not suitable for all recessions. Another alternative for some patients is tooth coloured bonding material to cover the exposed root, which helps with sensitivity but does not treat the underlying gum issue. We discuss all suitable options for your situation during your consultation at our Finchley practice.

As a private practice, we provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees. The cost for gum graft surgery starts from £850 per tooth or site. This includes the initial assessment, all necessary digital imaging, the surgical procedure itself, and follow-up appointments for suture removal and healing checks. The final cost varies with the complexity and number of teeth involved. We accept private dental insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your consultation, and we can help clarify coverage.

To choose what suits you, ask key questions whether you meet with us or another practice in North London. Ask about the dentist's experience with this procedure and how many they perform each year. Ask what type of graft they recommend for your case and why. Clarify the full cost including all appointments and what happens if the graft does not heal as expected. Finally ask about the long-term outcome and what you can do to keep results for many years.