The team at Hawkesbury Dental Centre can treat issues with gum health and appearance by performing a gum graft procedure.
Repairing Gum Health & Appearance
Gums can start to draw back over time, leaving the roots exposed to the open air. Consequently, the recession of the gum can increase the risk of tooth decay and dental hypersensitivity. The deterioration of the gum can also alter the dental aesthetics of the smile
No matter the reason for your concern, if you're worried about your gum health, where your gum line is in relation to your teeth or how much tooth area your gums are covering, your dentist may assess your specific condition and recommend a gum graft procedure.
To perform a gum graft procedure, your dentist will surgically transplant a very thin piece of tissue from another part of your body, usually the roof of the mouth, to cover tooth roots left exposed by gum recession.
Depending on your needs and whether you've experienced dental anxiety in the past, we can recommend sedation options to keep you calm and relaxed during a gum graft or other dental procedures.
The Gum Grafting Procedure
If your dentist has recommended a gum graft to correct gum recession or address cosmetic issues, here's what you can expect from the procedure.
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Assessment & Diagnosis
Your dentist will meet with you to assess your specific issues with your gums, whether they are related to gum recession, periodontal disease or aesthetic appearance.
He or she will check the health of your gums and the extent of gum recession. X-rays will be taken and the issue will be diagnosed. You'll have time to ask questions about your treatment options, the procedure and recovery, and have your concerns addressed.
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Procedure
After arriving at our dental office, you'll come to the procedure room and given local anesthesia to numb the area. You may choose to have general anesthesia or other form of dental sedation so you can relax or be unconscious during the procedure.
The dentist will remove a small piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth and stitch it to the area requiring gum tissue. The procedure typically takes between 45 minutes and one hour. Once your periodontist has finished suturing the graft, they'll likely have you rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash.
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Recovery
You'll be able to leave shortly after your procedure is done. Your dentist may ask you to wait one or two hours if they want to observe you to check that there won't be any issues with the graft.
For a couple of weeks following the procedure, you'll need to get lots of rest and make sure to not eat any hard or hot foods to prevent the graft from being damaged.
You'll also likely need to use an antimicrobial mouthwash for a couple of weeks to prevent plaque buildup and infection, or other complications. Do not brush or floss the area until your dentist says the area has healed and it's safe to do so. Avoid exercise or strenuous activities.
For any pain or discomfort, you may consider taking over-the-counter pain medication. If you experience severe pain or discomfort, contact us right away.
Gum Grafting FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about gum grafting at Hawkesbury Dental Centre.
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How long can I expect the effects of a gum graft to last?
After your dentist performs a gum graft, you can expect the transplanted tissue to remain in place for a lifetime.
Taking care of your oral health by brushing your teeth and flossing daily will be key to ensuring your gums remain healthy.
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What can cause gum recession?
Causes of gum recession can include periodontal disease, overly aggressive tooth brushing, genetics, hormonal treatment, orthodontic treatment, or trauma or injury. Treating gum recession is important to protect the health of your teeth.
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What are the negative effects of gum recession?
Gum recession can cause deterioration of gum tissue, negatively impact the appearance of your smile. Because your tooth roots are exposed, they will be more vulnerable to decay, which can lead to tooth loss. Your dentist may recommend a gum graft to correct and prevent these issues.
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Who is a good candidate for gum grafting?
Because gum grafting is a surgical procedure, it's important to be in good overall health if you are considering undergoing this treatment.
If you have certain disorders or diseases such as compromised immune systems or diabetes, it's important to let your dentist know during the consultation process, as these may increase your risk of complications.
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Will a gum graft stop gum recession due to periodontal disease?
A gum graft can repair gum health and prevent further gum recession from occurring and eliminate issues such as tooth sensitivity.
However, there is no guarantee that gum problems won't develop again in the future. We recommend coming in for regular dental checkups and preventive cleanings, as well as maintaining an excellent at-home oral hygiene routine, to prevent oral health complications and damage to your teeth and gums that may require more surgical treatments.