Treating Gum Recession With Grafting

Gums are designed to cover the roots of your teeth and protect them.  They do so by creating a seal against the surface of the tooth to prevent the intrusion of food and bacteria.  Food and bacteria can cause plaque and without intervention, may result in gum disease and tooth decay.

No matter how perfect your teeth are, a recessed gum line can leave your smile vulnerable to decay and infection. If your gums have been receded, your teeth will appear longer and cause your smile to suffer, even if your teeth are otherwise perfect.

What are the causes of gum recession?

Gum recession starts gradually, but if periodontal disease is left untreated, its recession is likely to speed up. This is when irreversible damage may take place. In addition, to stop the spread of periodontal disease, the trimming of infected tissue can cause further recession of gums. Some of the main causes of gum recession include:

• Genetic
• Overaggressive brushing
• Improper flossing
• Tooth Position
• Trauma to gum tissues
• High muscle attachments that can pull at the gumline
• Partial dentures that don’t fit right
• Chewing tobacco

Gum grafting is a minor oral surgery in which harvested tissue is carefully stitched to the existing gum tissue to cover the exposed tooth roots. There are three basic types of gum grafts, based on where the tissues are harvested:

• Connective tissue graft. It is often used when root coverage is required. The tissue is harvested from the roof of your mouth, taken out from under a small flap created in your palate.
• Free gingival graft. It is used when keratinized tissue is needed. This type of graft also uses tissue taken from the roof of your mouth, but the tissue is taken directly from the palate. This results in a larger, open wound.
• Pedicle graft. It uses surrounding gum tissue to restore your gum line. Strategic incisions are made, and your gums are rearranged to cover the affected areas of your teeth. This type of graft helps to keep blood vessels intact, which can aid in faster healing.

The majority of people have a high success rate with getting a gum graft procedure done. If you combine the gum grafting procedure with brushing properly, your success rate will be even higher.

With a gum graft, you can restore a healthy, natural gum line, enhancing the beauty of your smile and the health of your mouth. For more information schedule your consultation.