Corbin Dental offers a gum grafting procedure to help improve the look of your smile and protect your teeth from further damage. Gum grafting is often necessary when the gums have begun to recede, exposing more of the tooth root.
What is gum grafting?
When you think of gum grafting, you might picture a painful and invasive dental procedure. However, gum grafting is a relatively simple and straightforward dental treatment that can offer many benefits for patients with gum recession.
Gum recession is a common problem that occurs when the gums start to pull away from the teeth. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including genetics, brushing too hard, or periodontal disease. Gum recession can cause several problems, including tooth sensitivity, increased risk of tooth decay, and an unattractive appearance.
Gum grafting is a way to address these problems by adding new tissue to the gums. The new tissue helps to protect the teeth and improves the overall appearance of the smile. Gum grafting is a safe and effective way to treat gum recession and can help patients enjoy improved oral health.
Here are some of the most common types of gum grafting:
Free gingival graft: A free gingival graft is the most common type of gum graft. This procedure involves taking a small piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth and attaching it to the gums. The new tissue helps to cover the exposed tooth root and improve the appearance of the smile.
Connective tissue graft: A connective tissue graft is similar to a free gingival graft, but the tissue is taken from underneath the surface of the skin. This type of graft is often used when there is not enough donor tissue available on the roof of the mouth.
Pedicle graft: A pedicle graft is another common type of gum graft. This procedure involves taking a strip of tissue from the side of the mouth and attaching it to the gums. The pedicle graft is often used when there is not enough donor tissue available on the roof of the mouth or underneath the skin.
What are the benefits of gum grafting?
Gum grafting can offer many benefits for patients with gum recession. Gum grafting can:
- Improve the appearance of the smile: Gum recession can cause the teeth to look longer than they are. Gum grafting can help to improve the appearance of the smile by adding new tissue to the gums.
- Protect the teeth: The new tissue added during gum grafting can help to protect the teeth from further damage.
- Reduce tooth sensitivity: Gum recession can cause the tooth roots to become exposed. This can lead to increased tooth sensitivity. Gum grafting can help to reduce tooth sensitivity by adding new tissue to the gums.
- Improve oral health: Gum grafting can improve oral health by protecting the teeth from further damage and reducing the risk of tooth decay.
What can I expect during gum grafting?
Gum grafting is a relatively simple dental procedure. The specific steps involved in the procedure will depend on the type of gum graft being performed.
In general, the gum grafting procedure involves numbing the gums, making an incision in the gums, and adding new tissue. The incisions are then closed with stitches.
Most gum grafting procedures can be performed in a single office visit. However, some patients may require multiple visits to complete the treatment.
What is the recovery like after gum grafting?
The recovery after gum grafting is typically very short. Most patients experience some soreness and swelling for a few days after the procedure. This can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Stitches are usually removed within one to two weeks. It is important to keep the area clean and free of bacteria to prevent infection.
In conclusion, gum grafting is a safe and effective way to treat gum recession. Gum grafting can offer many benefits for patients, including improved appearance, reduced tooth sensitivity, and improved oral health. Most gum grafting procedures can be performed in a single office visit, and the recovery is typically very short. If you are considering treatment for gum recession, be sure to schedule an appointment with Corbin Dental today!
