With gum grafting, we can reverse the effects of gum recession and restore your smile.
Thanks to gum grafting, the Sean P. Avera, DDS, MS, team can balance your gum line and ensure that your smile is maintained at optimal health.
At our Auburn, CA, periodontal practice, gum grafting is one of the many services we offer to correct your gum line and give you back a healthy smile. If we recommend gum grafting as a treatment option, we will walk you through the procedure and ensure you’re happy with the results.
What is Gum Grafting?
A gum, or soft tissue, graft is a patch of healthy tissue that we surgically apply to the gums to fix an even gum line or gingival recession. There are multiple kinds of gum grafts, and our doctor will walk you through which one is best for your needs and oral health.
The Gum Grafting Procedure
During the procedure, our provider will attach a graft of new, healthy tissue to your gums. We use a local anesthetic to numb the area and help you feel comfortable. The type of graft used depends on your specific needs. We can take the graft from another area of your mouth, typically the roof of the mouth or surrounding gums, or from a donor.
We will send you home with detailed post-op instructions. Additionally, we will e recommend appropriate medication for any discomfort you feel after the procedure. An antimicrobial mouthwash may also be used to ensure bacteria doesn’t get into the gums. Full healing can take up to a few weeks, but you’ll notice a difference as soon as any swelling has gone away.
Reasons You May Need a Gum Graft
- Gum recession: When gums recede, the roots of teeth can be exposed, leaving you vulnerable to infections and tooth loss.
- Uneven gum line: Gums may be naturally uneven or made that way due to gum disease or recession. A gum graft can add volume to gums in specific spots, giving your gum line a more consistent, aesthetic look.
Causes of Gum Recession
Gum recession can be caused by a number of issues. Brushing too aggressively, smoking, genetics, and advanced gum disease are the main causes. While we try to treat gum recession early and keep the treatment conservative, there are times when a gum graft is needed to restore gums to full health and get them back to a natural, aesthetically pleasing look.
The Impact of Gum Recession
More than just an aesthetic problem, gum recession can cause serious oral health issues. When gum recession is severe, the gums expose the roots of teeth. With no supportive tissue around them, teeth become loose and eventually fall out. Leaving the roots of teeth exposed can also lead to infection as bacteria can easily find its way into the tissue and bloodstream.
Our number one goal is for you to have healthy gums and teeth. Gum graft surgery is one way we address gum issues and restore your oral health. If you are experiencing gum recession or want to consult with our team about gum grafting, call our office today to schedule an appointment.