Gum Grafting – Mayfield Heights, OH
Reverse the Effects of Gum Recession
Gum recession can cause your gum tissue to pull away from your teeth, exposing the roots. Not only can this put you at a higher risk for decay and dental infections, but it can also leave you with teeth that look longer than normal. Fortunately, Dr. Ross can address your oral health and cosmetic concerns with gum grafting, a procedure that can help reverse the effects of gum recession. If you think your smile might benefit from gum grafting, reach out to us today!
Why Choose Ross Periodontics for Gum Grafting?
- Periodontist with a Friendly Approach to Care
- Fully Personalized Treatment Plans
- Multiple Sedation Options for Nervous Patients
What Is Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting is a type of oral surgery where soft tissue is taken from elsewhere in your mouth and used to replace missing gum tissue. This can be done to reshape the gum line and to cover exposed tooth roots.
Who Needs Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting is typically only recommended in very specific situations. Below are some signs that you might benefit from the procedure:
- You Have Experienced Gum Recession: Gum recession is often a consequence of gum disease that went untreated for too long. Ignoring gum recession can ultimately lead to tooth loss, so it’s best to have it addressed with gum grafting as soon as possible.
- You are Planning to Have Dental Implants Placed: Dental implants partially rely on the gums for support, so a lack of gum tissue can be a serious obstacle. Gum grafting can be used to add the necessary tissue so that dental implant placement can be performed.
- You are Concerned About the Appearance of Your Smile: Even if your mouth is generally in good health, gum grafting can still be helpful for evening out the gum line, which can go a long way toward making your grin more aesthetically pleasing.
The Gum Grafting Process
The exact steps of the gum grafting process will slightly vary depending on which type of graft is being performed:
- For a connective tissue graft, a flap will be created in the roof of your mouth. Then tissue will be taken from that same area and transplanted to the spot where gum tissue is lacking.
- For a free gingival graft, the tissue will be taken from the roof of the mouth without creating a flap first.
- For a pedicle graft, a flap of tissue will be made in the gum tissue itself near the area where gum recession is present. Then the flap will be folded over to cover up the exposed tooth root.
Gum Grafting Aftercare
Your mouth will need time to heal after gum grafting. During your recovery, you will need to stick to a diet of soft foods, which can include scrambled eggs, yogurt, and cooked vegetables. In terms of oral hygiene, you will need to refrain from brushing or flossing the treated area for a while. An antimicrobial mouthwash can be a good way to reduce the risk of an infection occurring during the recovery period.