Gum & Bone Grafting
Scarborough

What is the difference between gum grafting and bone grafting?

Gum grafting covers exposed tooth roots and stops gums from receding further, protecting teeth from sensitivity and decay. Bone grafting rebuilds jawbone that has shrunk away — often to create a strong foundation for a dental implant or to preserve the socket after a tooth is removed. Some patients need only one type, while others benefit from both, which your dentist will determine with an exam and X-rays.

Does gum or bone grafting hurt?

The treatment area is completely numbed, and sedation is available at AF Dental for anxious patients, so the procedure itself is comfortable. Afterward, expect mild soreness and some swelling for a few days — most patients manage it well with over-the-counter pain relief. To be honest, if tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth, that donor spot can feel like a pizza burn for several days, but it heals predictably.

How long does it take to heal after a graft?

Soft gum tissue usually feels much better within one to two weeks, though complete settling takes a few months. Bone grafts need more time — the new bone typically takes three to six months to fully integrate before an implant can be placed. We schedule follow-up visits at our Scarborough clinic to check your healing and make sure everything is progressing as it should.

Who is NOT a good candidate for grafting?

Grafting is less predictable for heavy smokers, people with uncontrolled diabetes, or anyone with an active, untreated gum infection — the infection must be brought under control first. Certain medications and medical conditions that affect healing or bone metabolism also need careful review. This is exactly why a thorough consultation and health history come before any treatment plan.

Will the grafted gum look natural?

Yes — the grafted tissue is carefully shaped and positioned to blend with your surrounding gums. There may be a slight difference in colour or texture at first, but it typically blends in over several weeks as healing completes. The goal is a result that looks like your own healthy gum, because in most cases, it becomes exactly that.

Is bone grafting always needed before a dental implant?

Not always. A graft is needed only when the remaining bone is too thin, too short, or too soft to hold an implant securely — a 3D scan at AF Dental shows this clearly. In many cases, a graft can even be done on the same day a tooth is removed to preserve the bone for a future implant. If your bone is already sufficient, we will tell you so and skip the graft entirely.

Comprehensive dental solutions in Scarborough: From preventative cleanings and exams to complex restorative surgery and dental implants. Trust AF Dental for specialized, comfortable family dentistry.