A gum graft is a dental procedure done when the gums are receding and expose the root of the tooth. It involves harvesting healthy tissue from other parts of the mouth to replace damaged or thinning gum tissue.
What Are Gum Grafts?
Depending on your unique dental needs, there are a few procedures that are effective to correct gum recession. If the gum recession is severe, you might have to undergo gum graft surgery.
The most common medical procedure recommended by our dentists is a connective gum graft.
The dental process involves taking a flap of tissue from the top of the mouth and placing it above the tooth’s exposed area.
Another procedure is a pedicle gum graft. During this procedure, flap tissue is removed from an adjacent tooth and used to repair the damaged gum. A free gingival graft removes tissue from the top of the mouth to the thinning gum to promote natural growth. Healing from a dental gum graft takes a few weeks with the help of antibiotics.
Why Would You Need A Gum Graft?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), one of the leading causes of gum recession is periodontal disease. This infection leads to inflammatory gums, which expose the root of the tooth. The exposed root increases tooth sensitivity to cold or hot food. In advanced cases, it can lead to tooth loss.
Brushing your teeth too aggressively can also lead to gum recession. If your gums are overly sensitive or look more prolonged than usual from the top, then you probably need a gum graft procedure. The gum graft reduces tooth sensitivity and improves your overall smile by repairing the gum line.
Gum graft procedures promote proper dental care and leave you with a bright smile. If you also feel that you need gum grafts, or would like to learn more, then please make an appointment at our dental clinic for more information.