Gum Grafting Restoring
In periodontal disease, swollen unhealthy gums start to pull away from the teeth, often leading to gum recession, which can cause pain & sensitivity. Gum grafting can help restore the gum’s covering on teeth & reduce sensitivity.
Your gums are a very important part of maintaining oral health & keeping your teeth healthy. They protect the roots of your teeth by creating a seal around them. Keeping your gums healthy will help you avoid infections as well as gum recession, which can be caused by over-brushing, periodontal disease & bruxism (teeth grinding).
Regardless of the cause, gum recession can expose areas of your teeth that aren’t protected by enamel, causing pain & sensitivity. Because this allows bacteria to completely bypass the protective layers of teeth, gum recession can also cause greater tooth decay, which in turn can mean you’ll need root canals or extractions sooner. Additionally, gum recession can negatively impact your smile by making your teeth appear longer.
What Is Gum Grafting?
In a gum grafting procedure, gum tissue is taken from the soft palate (at the back of the roof of the mouth) to cover areas of the teeth exposed by gum recession. This graft helps protect exposed areas of the teeth & roots from bacteria & tartar & helps reduce pain & sensitivity.
Mild cases of gum recession can be treated with scaling & root planing, a non-invasive procedure in which your dentist cleans areas exposed by gum recession, as well as spaces underneath your gums that are prone to collecting decay-causing bacteria. In advanced cases where scaling & root planing is not enough to treat gum recession, a gum grafting procedure attaches new gum tissue to exposed areas of the teeth & roots.
Procedure Overview
- There are three main types of gum grafts: free gingival grafts, subepithelial connective tissue grafts & pedicle grafts. Free gingival grafts are taken from the surface of the soft palate, while subepithelial connective tissue grafts are taken from beneath a flap cut from the soft palate. Pedicle grafts use gum tissue from an area right next to the recession. Donor tissue may also be used.
- Once the graft tissue has been retrieved, it is attached to the area where the gum has receded with sutures.
Aftercare
After the graft, your gums & the site of the graft may be tender. You’ll need to eat soft foods for a week or two & avoid picking at any stitches. Once your dentist removes the stitches, you’ll be able to return to your regular diet.
Although gum grafting can help slow or even stop gum recession & infection, the gums are still vulnerable to infection & recession, so it’s very important to keep up with oral hygiene habits. Regular visits to your dentist in addition to daily brushing & flossing will help keep your gums healt
Gum Grafting FAQs
1. Why would I need gum grafting?
Gum grafting is a way to treat gum recession by surgically transplanting tissue to areas where gums have receded. It can help alleviate pain and tooth sensitivity and address long-term gum problems.
2. How is gum grafting performed at King Village Dental?
We have a skilled periodontist at King Village Denta who uses advanced techniques. The procedure includes removing tissue from your mouth roof or using donor tissue to cover affected areas.
3. What types of gum grafts are available?
Several types of gum grafts are available at King Village Dental. They include a connective tissue graft where tissue comes from beneath the surface of your mouth roof, free gingival graft where tissues is taken directly from your mouth roof, and pedicle graft where tissues is moved from another area to the receded area.
4. What can I expect during recovery from gum grafting?
Recovery can vary depending on the patient but most recover in a few days. You need to follow post-operative instructions to shorten recovery time.
5. How much does gum grafting cost in Bowmanville?
Cost can vary. It can cost $600 to $1,200 per tooth. We can give you a better estimate after an exam.
6. Is gum grafting covered by insurance?
It can be covered by insurance but it depends on the policy. We can check with your insurance provider to see for you.
7. How can I schedule a consultation for gum grafting at King Village Dental?
Call or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
8. Are there alternatives to gum grafting for treating gum recession?
Alternatives exist for those who catch it earlier. Deep teeth cleaning is the best alternative for those experience gum issues.