If you’ve noticed your gums receding, especially revealing more tooth roots underneath, you may be a candidate for gum graft surgery. While initially just an aesthetic concern, gum recession treatment near you is important for preventing more serious dental issues down the road. Read on for your complete guide to gum grafting procedures – the why, how, and what to expect.
What Exactly is Gum Recession and Why Care?
When the gums recede from the teeth, it exposes the sensitive tooth roots and makes you more susceptible to cavities and infections. As gum tissue wears away and recedes, spaces can form for bacteria to enter, leading to inflammation, sensitivity, loose teeth, or even tooth loss if left untreated. Both genetics and lifestyle factors contribute to receding gums, so don’t wait – address it promptly.
What Causes Gums to Recede and Signs You May Need Surgery?
Periodontal disease, overly vigorous teeth cleaning, and smoking commonly instigate gum recession. You may notice increasing gaps above teeth near root surfaces, plus sensitivity or notching between teeth. As pockets deepen, teeth feel loose, and tooth loss can occur. Consulting your dentist near me helps diagnose the cause and severity of gum recession and whether grafting could help remedy the issue.
Am I a good candidate for a gum grafting Procedure?
Grafting success rates are quite high for mild to moderate gum recession in generally healthy patients. Procedures work best if directed at specific problem sites versus treating all areas simultaneously. Grafting cannot restore prior extensive tissue damage, however, nor benefit individuals with advanced periodontal disease still requiring infection control. Discuss your particular case to determine candidacy.
What Happens During Gum Graft Surgery Step-By-Step?
The oral surgeon will prepare the exposed root surfaces before taking tissue from your palate or outside your mouth as a donor source. After numbing both sites, the graft segment gets precisely positioned and secured along the receded areas with stitches to hold in place. Protective periodontal dressing helps immobilize tissue while healing the first couple of weeks. The body naturally seals transplanted gum tissue with existing soft tissue and bone over 2-3 months, restoring natural form and function.
What Types of Gum Tissue Can Be Used for Grafting Receded Gums?
Connective tissue graft (CTG) comes from the thin tissue lining the roof of your mouth (palate) and yields extremely predictable results, though sensate recovery is slower.
Free gingival grafts (FGG) utilize thicker tissue from the roof of the mouth with more nerves, increasing post-op discomfort but faster sensate return.
Alloderm® graft uses donated human dermal skin tissue that eliminates donor site surgery, though it may risk slight volume loss over time.
What’s the Recovery Like After Gum Grafting Surgery?
Initial post-operative healing lasts 8-12 weeks, so prepare for a slowed pace in the first couple of weeks when oral function is more difficult. Sutures often dissolve on their own, though return visits monitor progress, removing any remaining materials later. Swelling, bruising, oozing, and bleeding are all common early on. Pain meds will be prescribed as needed if over-the-counter options don’t suffice to keep you comfortable. Stick to soft, lukewarm foods temporarily before returning to a normal diet later. Avoid disturbance of the graft site from repeated trauma/irritation initially. Most importantly, meticulous oral care must continue daily throughout recovery without fail to prevent infection risk. That means very gentle flossing, brushing around affected areas, and medicated rinses as directed.
While gum graft surgery entails a healing process, catching gum recession early increases the likelihood it can be corrected or stabilized if more involved procedures become necessary. Pay attention to those symptomatic areas – turn to the gum recession treatment experts at your dentist in Temecula, CA – Elevate Dental – to determine the next steps for care. We offer advanced diagnostics plus tailored surgical and nonsurgical therapy to help restore healthy gums and bright smiles. Our compassionate team cares. Contact us today to find solutions!