Gum Graft
New Bedford, Falmouth, & Hyannis, MA
Gum Grafting provided by Dr. Gus Dehni
and Dr. Chris Webb
in New Bedford, Falmouth, & Hyannis, MA at Center for Advanced Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
 Sometimes it seems like our teeth get all the attention, but did you know that your gums are just as important to the health and beauty of your smile? One common issue that many people deal with is receding gums. Luckily, a gum graft is a fast and simple solution to receding gums. At Center for Advanced Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our team of dental experts can help you with a gum graft, which can revitalize your smile.
What is a Gum Graft?
When patients complain about their teeth being sensitive to both hot and cold food and beverages, it can be indicative of gum recession. This means the gums have pulled away from the supportive root structure of the tooth, exposing the sensitive root. Although a gradual process, it can be quite painful to most who experience it.
Gum grafts can rebuild the lost gum tissue, forming a supportive foundation for the patient's teeth.
Reasons for Gum Grafts
If you have recessed gums then you should strongly consider a gum graft. Gum recession often occurs in cases of gingivitis and periodontitis, or gum disease. It may happen in patients with traditional metal braces. You can even get recessed gums by brushing too aggressively, so be careful not to overdo it.
Benefits of Gum Grafts
Gum recession can be indicative of the later stages of periodontal disease which is progressive and potentially dangerous to a patient's overall medical health. By limiting the pocket size along the side of the teeth in which food can become trapped, gum grafts can help protect patients from the progression of gum disease.
Types of Gum Grafts
Most gum grafts fall into one of three different treatment types. The most common is a connective-tissue graft, which involves covering an exposed root with skin taken from beneath the top layer of the roof of your mouth. If you have an excess of tissue around the tooth being treated, then we may use a pedicle graft. If the opposite is true and you have too little tissue, then a free gingival graft may be called for.
The Gum Graft Procedure
Unless instructed otherwise, there is no need to make any changes to your diet, including fasting, before coming in for the treatment.
Patients need to realize how important proper oral care is to their teeth and to maintaining their gum health. Professional cleanings are also needed to keep the bacteria, tartar, and plaque build-up which can begin the gum recession process. Gum grafts are utilized to repair tissue loss and to also minimize possible infection.
The type of graft recommended will largely depend upon the patient's situation. The first graft is a free gingival graft. This takes a small amount of tissue taken out of the roof of the mouth and applied to the affected site. This will not only help to increase gum tissue but also hinder them from receding any further from the teeth.
A connective tissue graft is another type of graft in which a small connective bit of material is taken from the upper layer of gum tissue before placing it to the site. This is the graft most widely used.
A pedicle graft is another type that uses a section of gum from adjacent gum tissue to the site. Extremely effective, blood flow is not hindered and helps the healing process. It should be noted however a large amount of tum tissue is used during this surgical procedure.
Aftercare and Recovery for Gum Grafts
Every patient is different, so we will give you personalized aftercare instructions following the gum graft. Following this procedure, it is very important that you brush and floss your teeth twice a day. This will help you prevent problems from developing into something more serious. However, you should not brush or floss directly around the graft right after the procedure. We will also give you recommendations for specific antimicrobial mouthwashes to keep the graft clean.
Furthermore, you will need to use fluoride toothpaste and maintain a regular dental schedule including periodontal checkups.
Common FAQs About Gum Grafts
You may have some questions about gum grafts. Here are a few of the most common questions our doctors receive in regard to this procedure.
Is Gum Grafting a Painful Procedure?
The gum grafting procedure itself is not painful, as you will receive a shot of local anesthetic to numb the area. After that, we will clean under your gums, then obtain tissue in one of the above manners and suture it to your gums. Over-the-counter analgesics can help with the pain, but it is recommended you do not take aspirin, as this can worsen bleeding.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From a Gum Graft?
Afterward, you will need someone to drive you home, and you will need to eat soft foods and refrain from brushing or flossing in the area for one to two weeks.
Are There Any Risks or Complications Associated with Gum Grafts?
Gum grafting is a quick and easy surgical procedure with a high success rate. However, as with any surgery, there can be complications. Bleeding or swollen gums, loose-feeling teeth and surgical site pain are the most common, but infection and space appearing between your teeth can also occur. If you have bleeding that lasts for more than 20 minutes, fever, or unexpected pain, swelling, bruising or pus at the surgical site, call us immediately.
Can Gum Grafts Improve Gum Recession Caused by Gum Disease?
A gum graft is one of the best treatments for severely recessed gums. If left unchecked, recessed gums can even impact your bones, causing them to lose mass and dramatically age your facial features.
Can Gum Grafts Enhance the Appearance of My Smile?
Benefits of a gum graft include improving the aesthetics of your smile, safeguarding your teeth from decay, and reducing tooth sensitivity.
Restore Your Gum Health with Gum Grafts in New Bedford, MA
Receding gums can cause many different problems for your oral health, including tooth sensitivity, loose teeth and increased plaque buildup. Luckily, gum grafting is a safe and effective procedure that can help. It is a powerful method for restoring not just the health of your gums, but your whole smile. If you want to know more, call Center for Advanced Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at 508-204-3145 today! |
