“Had a good experience at this dental clinic. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the dentist explained the treatment clearly. The clinic was clean and the overall experience was comfortable. Would recommend this clinic for dental care.”
Gum grafting
Gum Grafting in Kondapur, Hyderabad
Gum grafting in Kondapur is a small surgery that covers exposed tooth roots where the gum has pulled back, or thickens thin gum that is at risk. It protects the root, eases sensitivity and can improve the look of the gum line.
Elite Dental Clinic is a dental clinic in Kondapur, Hyderabad. This page is medically reviewed by Dr. Revathi Indukuri, a dentist at the clinic, and gum surgery is done by the clinic's periodontist. It explains how a gum graft in Kondapur works, when receding gums need surgery, the risks and what to expect.
- Anaesthesia
- Local
- Usual time
- About 1 to 2 hours
- Healing
- A few weeks
- Open
- Every day
Open every day from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. If you have pain or swelling, call or send a WhatsApp message before you come so your visit can be planned.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Revathi Indukuri, BDS, MDS (Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics). Last reviewed . About the reviewer
Quick answer
A gum graft is a surgery in which a thin piece of gum tissue is placed over a tooth root that has been exposed by receding gums, to protect it and, where possible, cover it. At Elite Dental Clinic in Hyderabad, the periodontist first finds out why the gum is receding and whether surgery is needed at all.
01 Overview
What is gum grafting and why do gums recede?
Gum recession is when the gum edge pulls back from the crown of a tooth and exposes part of the root. The root has no hard enamel covering, so it can become sensitive and is more likely to decay. Recession can also make teeth look longer.
Common causes include brushing too hard, gum disease, thin gum that is naturally fragile, teeth that sit out of line, braces and tobacco use. Gum disease needs treatment first, see periodontal treatment and gum disease treatment.
A gum graft takes a thin piece of tissue, often from the roof of your mouth or from a donor material, and attaches it over or beside the exposed root. In many procedures the existing gum is also moved over the graft, which is called a coronally advanced flap.
A Cochrane review of 48 trials found that a connective tissue graft combined with a coronally advanced flap reduced recession more than guided tissue regeneration with a membrane, and that a flap alone or with other materials could also be used for root coverage.1
In short, a gum graft covers exposed roots and thickens thin gum, once the cause of the recession is dealt with.
Exposed roots often cause tooth sensitivity to cold and brushing, and a graft adds keratinized tissue that protects the root.
02 Candidacy
Do I need a gum graft in Kondapur?
Many receding gums are stable and need no surgery. The dentist decides from the examination. The two lists below describe the general pattern.
Reasons a graft may be advised
- Recession that is getting worse over time
- Exposed roots that are sensitive or developing decay
- Very thin gum that is likely to recede further
- Recession before orthodontic treatment, where braces could make it worse
Needs caution or a different plan
- Active gum disease or poor cleaning, which are treated first
- Smoking, which reduces the success of grafts
- Recession that is stable and not bothering you, where watching is reasonable
- Recession between the teeth where bone and gum are lost, which a graft often cannot cover
A graft is for recession that is worsening, sensitive or likely to worsen, and not for every receding gum.
03 Options
Which gum graft will I need in Kondapur?
There are a few ways to cover an exposed root. The periodontist chooses by how much gum is missing and how thick it is.
Connective tissue graft for root coverage
A thin layer of tissue is taken from under the skin of the roof of the mouth and placed over the root, then covered by the existing gum. In the Cochrane review this approach, with a coronally advanced flap, reduced recession more than a membrane-based method.1
Own tissue
Donor matrix graft without a second wound
A processed donor tissue, called a matrix graft, is used instead of tissue from the palate, so there is no second surgical site. The review found insufficient evidence of a difference in recession reduction compared with a connective tissue graft.1
Donor tissue
Coronally advanced flap for mild recession
Where recession is mild and the gum is thick enough, the gum is lifted and moved over the root without a graft. A flap alone can be used for root coverage, according to the review.1
No graft
For small shaping needs, see gum contouring and laser gum treatment. If a tooth cannot be kept, see dental implants.
| Compared on | Own palate tissue | Donor matrix |
|---|---|---|
| Second wound | Yes, on the roof of the mouth | No |
| Soreness | More, from the palate | Less |
| Evidence for recession reduction | Greater than membrane methods1 | No clear difference from own tissue1 |
| Gain in gum thickness | Usually greater1 | May be less |
Your own tissue has the most evidence behind it, and a donor matrix avoids a second wound.
04 Procedure
How is a gum graft done, step by step?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, usually in one visit of one to two hours. The steps below are what usually happens.
The root is cleaned, the graft is placed and stitched, and the gum is moved over it.
Examination and treating the cause of gum recession
The periodontist measures how far the gum has receded and how thick it is, checks for gum disease and asks about your brushing. Gum disease and plaque are treated first, and a teeth cleaning is done.
Numbing the gums and cleaning the exposed root
Local anaesthetic numbs the area. The exposed root is cleaned and smoothed so the graft can attach.
Taking the connective tissue graft or placing donor tissue
If your own tissue is used, a small flap is lifted on the roof of your mouth and a thin piece is taken, and the area is closed. A donor matrix is used instead where advised.
Placing the graft over the exposed root
The recipient gum is prepared and the graft is placed over the root and held with fine stitches. The gum is moved over it in a coronally advanced flap where planned.
Protecting the area and aftercare instructions
The area may be covered by a dressing. You are given instructions and medicines, and told when to return to have stitches checked or removed.
05 Cost
What decides the cost of gum grafting in Kondapur, Hyderabad?
Treatment is planned for one person, not sold as a product, so the cost follows your evaluation.
Each case is different, so Elite Dental Clinic does not quote a cost before an examination. You receive a written plan that lists each stage before any treatment starts.
What the evaluation looks at
- The number of teeth with recession
- How much root is exposed and how thick the gum is
- The type of graft: own tissue or donor matrix
- The number of review visits
What you decide with the dentist
- Treatment of gum disease first
- Sedation if used
- Whether more than one site or both sides are done
Your own habits matter too, including brushing, smoking and grinding, because they affect how well the graft heals.
The cost follows the plan, and the plan follows the evaluation.
06 Aftercare
What is it like to recover from a gum graft?
Healing takes a few weeks, and the first days matter most. The steps below help the graft take.
The first days
Expect some soreness and swelling, and, if tissue came from the palate, a sore roof of the mouth. Use cold packs on the cheek and take only the medicines advised. Eat soft, cool food and avoid hot and spicy food.
Cleaning near the graft
Do not brush the grafted area until the periodontist says so. Keep other teeth clean and use the mouthwash prescribed. Do not pull on your lip to look at the graft, because it can disturb the stitches.
Eating and habits
Chew on the other side for the first week or two. Avoid crunchy and sharp food, smoking and alcohol while it heals. Smoking lowers the success of grafts.
Review visits and long-term brushing
Attend the reviews. Later, you will be shown a gentler brushing method, because brushing too hard is a common cause of recession.
When to call us
Call the clinic the same day if bleeding does not stop with gentle pressure, if the graft comes away, if pain gets worse after the third day, or if you have a fever or pus. If swelling spreads to the face or neck, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Leave the graft alone, eat soft food and brush gently for the weeks it takes to heal.
07 Limits
When is a gum graft not the right choice?
The periodontist may delay or avoid a graft in these situations:
- Recession that is stable and not causing sensitivity or decay.
- Active gum disease or poor cleaning that has not been improved.
- A patient who smokes and cannot stop, because smoking lowers success.
- Recession with bone and gum lost between the teeth, which a graft often cannot cover.
- Teeth that are loose or cannot be saved, where another plan is needed.
For sensitivity without a graft, see sensitive teeth. Where recession could worsen during orthodontic treatment, see braces treatment.
Risks and complications
The risks include pain and swelling, bleeding, infection, a graft that does not take, gums that do not cover the root fully, a sore or slow-healing roof of the mouth, and root sensitivity.
Complete root coverage is not always possible, and results differ by the type of recession and the method used. The review found differences between methods, but the quality of the evidence varies.1
Recession can return if the cause, such as hard brushing or gum disease, is not corrected, and no one can promise a lasting result.
A graft often reduces recession but does not always cover the root fully, and the cause must be fixed.
08 Your visit
What happens at your first gum grafting appointment in Kondapur?
At the first visit the periodontist looks at your gums, measures the recession and the thickness of the gum, checks for gum disease and asks about your brushing and any grinding. You are told whether a graft is needed or whether watching is reasonable. You receive a written plan that lists each stage before any treatment starts.
Bring earlier X-rays and a list of your medicines. Tell the periodontist about smoking, health conditions, and any orthodontic treatment you are planning.
The team speaks English, Telugu and Hindi. You are under no obligation to go ahead with treatment.
The first visit says honestly whether you need a graft, and ends with a plan.
09 Why this clinic
Why choose Elite Dental Clinic for gum grafting in Kondapur?
Medical reviewer of this page
Dr. Revathi Indukuri
BDS, MDS (Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics)
BDS, Sree Sai Dental College Research Institute, 2009
MDS, Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, Andhra Pradesh, 2016
Receding gums are common, and many do not need surgery. What I look for is whether the recession is getting worse, whether the exposed root is sensitive or decaying, and whether the gum is too thin to protect the tooth. A graft is for those cases, and I explain why you may not need one if yours is stable.
Dr. Revathi Indukuri
Dr. Revathi Indukuri reviewed this page as a dentist at the clinic. The clinic's team board lists a periodontist, whose speciality is the gums and the bone around the teeth, and oral surgeons who can be involved in surgical cases.
A periodontist on the team
The team board lists a periodontist, who performs gum surgery.
Watching is an honest option
If your recession is stable, you are told so and not pushed towards surgery.
A written plan before treatment
You receive a written plan before any treatment starts, so you know what is being done.
The cause is treated first
Hard brushing, gum disease and grinding are dealt with so the graft is not undone.
A periodontist, watching as an honest option and a written plan are what this clinic stands behind.
10 Reviews
Patient reviews of Elite Dental Clinic in Kondapur
Recent patient reviews of Elite Dental Clinic
“Very excellent service provided and dr Revathi mam was very kind and done too professional service..towards patient.. I am very happy that I got to know about elite dental clinic”
“Very good treatment and I had an excellent experience at this dental hospital.”
11 Visit us
Dentist in Kondapur, Hyderabad: location, hours and access
Elite Dental Clinic
2nd floor, Artham's Arcade, above Vijaya Diagnostics
Kondapur, Raghavendra Colony, Gachibowli
Hyderabad, Telangana 500084
070320 78789
Kondapur, Raghavendra Colony, Gachibowli
Hyderabad, Telangana 500084
070320 78789
| Monday to Sunday | 9:00 am to 9:00 pm |
|---|
The clinic is on the second floor of Artham's Arcade, above Vijaya Diagnostics, in Raghavendra Colony.
Patients looking for receding gums treatment in Kondapur will find the clinic above Vijaya Diagnostics in Artham's Arcade, Raghavendra Colony. Languages spoken: English, Telugu and Hindi. More about the clinic: dentist in Kondapur.
The clinic is on the second floor above Vijaya Diagnostics and is open every day from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
12 Travelling patients
Gum grafting in Hyderabad for patients from other cities and countries
A gum graft is a single surgery, but healing and reviews take a few weeks, so plan your stay carefully. Connect with the clinic on WhatsApp or by phone before you travel, and the team will help plan your visits. Send a clear photo of the area if you can.
Ask the team how long to stay before you fly, when stitches are removed and which reviews could be done by a dentist at home.
Ask for your records, X-rays and a written summary before you leave. The clinic is open every day from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, and the team speaks English, Hindi and Telugu.
Plan the visits before you travel, and take your records home.
13 Questions
Gum grafting questions from patients in Kondapur
What is gum grafting?
It is a surgery that covers an exposed tooth root, or thickens thin gum, by placing a thin piece of tissue over the area. The tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth or comes from a donor matrix, and it is held in place with fine stitches.
Why do gums recede?
Common causes are brushing too hard, gum disease, thin gums, teeth that sit out of line, braces, grinding and tobacco. The cause is treated first, otherwise the recession can return after a graft.
Is gum grafting painful?
The area is numbed, so you should feel pressure but not pain during the surgery. The gums and, if tissue is taken from there, the roof of the mouth are sore for a few days to a couple of weeks. The periodontist advises pain relief.
How long does it take to heal?
The first healing takes about one to two weeks, and the graft continues to mature over several weeks to months. You avoid brushing the area at first, eat soft food and have review visits.
Will a graft fully cover my exposed root?
Not always. A Cochrane review of root coverage methods found differences between them, and complete coverage cannot be promised. The result depends on how much gum and bone are missing and on healing. The periodontist explains what is realistic.
Do I need a graft if my gums are receding a little?
Not necessarily. Mild, stable recession that is not sensitive or decaying can be watched while the cause is corrected. A graft is advised when recession is worsening, causing problems or likely to worsen.
How is the cost of gum grafting decided?
The cost is given after the examination. The number of teeth, the amount of recession, the type of graft, any sedation and the reviews all change the plan. You receive a written plan before treatment starts.
Can I get a graft before braces?
Possibly. Where gums are thin and braces could make recession worse, a graft before orthodontic treatment may be advised. The periodontist and orthodontist plan this together.
14 Second opinion
Are your gums pulling back from your teeth?
Book an examination and the periodontist will measure the recession, find the cause and tell you whether to treat or watch. Call or send a WhatsApp message to book. The visit is the first step, and you are under no obligation to go ahead with treatment.
15 Related
Treatments often considered alongside gum grafting
Periodontal treatment
The treatment of gum disease that comes before a graft where needed.
Gum contouring
Reshaping gum that covers too much tooth, the opposite problem.
Laser gum treatment
What a dental laser can and cannot do for the gums.
Sources
- Root coverage procedures for treating single and multiple recession-type defects: an updated Cochrane systematic review, Journal of Periodontology (Cochrane review update)
- Gum disease, NHS
- Gum disease, American Dental Association, MouthHealthy
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination, and results vary between patients.