Gum Grafting: What Options Do You Have?
March 24, 2022
Our gums can recede for a number of reasons. This condition is one of the most common that we see in the dental industry. Not only can this be embarrassing, but also dangerous to the oral health of the individual. Today, your Kansas City, MO dentist discusses the varieties of solutions to gum recession.
Gum Recession Is Disconcerting
While it may seem intimidating, these cases are frequently seen in dentist’s offices. There are a few reasons as to why individuals put off treating their gum recession. Primarily, clients often feel ashamed of their gums. Or they feel that they can hide the issue with a different manner of smiling or speaking. But that doesn’t fix the underlying problem, and it will not cure itself on its own.
People also generally do not have the information they need as to the possibility of treatment, or the varieties of care available to them. It may be daunting, but grafts, or the replacement of tissue from one area of the mouth to the affected area, are both affordable and simple.
Gingival Grafts
The most common procedure in handling gum recession is what is known as a free gingival graft. The primary goal of this approach is to cover the root of the tooth (or teeth), and is highly reliable and generally complication-free.
The periodontist separates the tissue from the tooth and first cleans the affected area. Any infected or damaged tissue is removed, in order to help cease further infection. After, the dentist attaches the gum, pulling it to a healthy level.
This procedure typically takes around 45 minutes to perform, and it utilizes local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience. Afterward, you will need to follow any advice given by the dentist on your diet, usually a week-long soft diet.
Soft Tissue Grafts
If there isn’t enough gum tissue to stretch for a free gingival graft, your periodontist may suggest what is known as a soft tissue graft. The periodontist removes material from the roof of the mouth or similar area, and connects it to the affected area. Then, the two tissues grow together, forming new flesh.
As with a gingival graft, the goal here is to cover any exposed root, as that can lead to tooth decay or even loss. The donor area is covered with an adhesive bandage. The recovery time is similar to a gingival graft.
It’s important to catch these issues as early as possible, or what may have been a gum graft could become a bone graft. Without the gum tissue to protect the jawbone, the body loses mass in the jaw at the site of a periodontal disease or a missing tooth.
Ready to Rejuvenate Your Gums?
Gum recession is not only something that many find embarrassing, but is also significantly harmful to your oral health. If you are ready to have your smile back to pristine condition, contact Cosmetic And Implant Dentistry in Kansas City, MO, today!