The gums play an important role in supporting the teeth and protecting the roots from exposure. However, due to one reason or another, the gum tissues can be damaged, causing them to start receding. When this happens, the teeth can become weak and the roots exposed. The receding gumline also alters your appearance, leading to an unsightly smile. However, it is possible to repair the damage to the gums using tissue regeneration treatments, which is where we at Gwinnett Dental Implant & Periodontal Center come in. We offer gum grafting surgery, a procedure that helps to restore the proper gum tissue structure by regenerating new tissue to replace the damaged one.
When is a Gum Graft Necessary?
Gum grafting surgery is used to treat gum recession, which is usually caused by gum disease or an oral infection resulting from poor oral hygiene. The procedure can also be used to treat gum damage caused by aggressive brushing, excessive teeth grinding, or traumatic dental injuries.
Why Should You Get a Gum Graft?
A gum graft procedure helps to restore the proper structure of the gums, thus providing adequate support to the teeth and coverage for the roots. This helps to protect your teeth from damage that can result in tooth loss. The gum grafting procedure can also be very useful in Dental Implant treatment by ensuring that you have sufficient gum tissue to cover the implants. After getting dental implants, gum grafting can also help to prevent implant failure – which can happen if your gums are infected and the infection spread to the jawbone.
Aside from treatment purposes, gum grafting can also be used for cosmetic reasons. The regeneration of the new gum tissue helps to restore the natural appearance of your gums, which greatly improves your smile.
What to Expect During a Gum Graft?
The gum grafting procedure involves the following steps:
| • | Initial consultation – this is the first appointment during the treatment process, where the health condition of your gums is evaluated, and the treatment determined. A treatment plan specific to your needs is also created in this step.
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| • | Tissue graft sourcing – the graft to be used for the procedure is harvested from your body (usually the roof of your mouth) or sourced from a tissue bank. If the graft is to come from your body, the harvesting procedure is performed at the same time as the grafting procedure. |
| • | The gum grafting surgery – on the day of the surgery, you are sedated using local anesthesia. A small incision is made in the gums to open them up, before creating a lateral incision to create a pocket for the graft material. The graft is then placed, and the site closed up using stitches. The surgical site will then be given time to heal.
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| • | Follow-up visit – after the surgery, you will need another visit to monitor the healing process and remove the stitches. |
Gum recession can lead to several dental problems, which can greatly affect your oral health and facial appearance. Getting treatment right away can help to prevent this from happening. If you are suffering from receding gums, Gwinnett Dental Implant & Periodontal Center can offer you the treatment you need. Call us today at (470) 222-8983 to find out more about gum grafting, or to schedule an appointment.