Our gums are an essential support system for our teeth and other oral structures. Gum loss can be the result of dental trauma or may result from advanced periodontal disease. When enough gingival tissue is lost, it can significantly impact the health of your oral cavity. The team at Morning Star Dentistry provides gum grafting treatments to address cases of significant gum loss. An effective gum graft can restore the health of your oral cavity and preserve a healthy and beautiful smile.
Did you know…
that gum recession can be more than just a cosmetic problem? The enamel below the gum line is more prone to decay and tooth sensitivity when exposed. A receding gum line can put your long-term dental health at risk – potentially causing cavities, bone loss, additional gum recession, and even tooth loss.
Gingival Tissue And How Soft Tissue Grafts Can Help
Gum disease is a condition that most people will face at some point in their lives. Its earliest incarnation, gingivitis, is relatively low-risk and can generally be easily treated. However, it can become its more serious form, periodontal disease, when it isn’t treated properly.
The familiar symptoms of gingivitis include inflamed sensitive gums that bleed when brushed. When periodontal disease sets in, the gums can begin to recede. This process starts with the gums pulling away from the teeth, exposing the roots beneath. This also increases the risk of tooth decay and infection as the roots are not as well protected as the crown of the tooth.
When gums have receded, they can’t grow back. That’s where gum grafting becomes an option. Using a gum grafting procedure, Dr. Liggett can restore the gingival tissue, and the balance and health of the oral cavity can be restored. Tissue for use in gum grafting is most often taken from the roof of the mouth during a surgical procedure. Once the procedure is completed, and the healing process is complete, the risk of cavities and gum disease drops significantly. Further, dental sensitivity can also result from receding gums, so this symptom may ease as well.
Our team performs gum graft procedures in-house at Morning Star Dentistry. The typical gum graft treatment involves the following steps:
- Local Anesthesia: A local anesthetic will be administered to the surgical site by Dr. Justin Liggett. The mouth’s upper surface and the target gingival area will be anesthetized.
- Site Preparation: An incision will be made in the gums to clean the area thoroughly. This stage of the process is similar to a root planing and scaling treatment.
- Gum Graft Harvest: An incision will then be made on your upper palette to take a wedge of tissue for the next step. This site will then be closed using periodontal dressing or a set of sutures.
- Gum Graft Placement: The harvested tissue will be applied to the gingival area near the exposed roots where the recession has taken place.
You will also receive post-operative instructions from Dr. Liggett. Once these steps are completed, you will be scheduled for a follow-up to ensure everything is healing properly. If stitches were placed, they will be removed at this next visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for soft tissue grafting?
Generally, soft tissue grafting is recommended once the gingival tissue has reached the mucosa. However, you may be a candidate for soft tissue grafting if you have noticeable gum line recession that is a source of embarrassment, is a risk to your oral health.
What should I expect during a soft tissue grafting procedure?
If you decide to undergo soft tissue grafting, your procedure will take place in your oral health provider’s office. The grafting site will be numbed, and the existing gum tissue will be loosened to make room for the graft. The grafting material is sutured in place, and you will return home the same day as your procedure.
How long is the recovery period following soft tissue grafting?
It is normal to experience some soreness and swelling at the grafting site after your procedure. However, this will subside after a few days as your tissue graft continues to heal. Be sure to follow your post-procedural guidelines exactly as ordered by your oral surgeon, and take any prescriptions as instructed. Sutures usually dissolve or will be removed within a few days, and you should notice a significant improvement in the appearance of your gums within a few weeks. Keep in mind, however, that soft tissue grafts take several months to completely heal.
Contact Morning Star Dentistry For Healthy Gingival Tissue Today
If you’re concerned that gum loss is impacting your smile’s health, contact our Sonora, CA, team today! We’ll have you in for a consultation and exam to determine your current oral health. With Dr. Justin Liggett, you and our team will develop a treatment plan to address your concerns and restore your oral cavity to good health.
