When most people think about their oral health, the first thing that comes to mind is their teeth—but your gums are actually just as important as your pearly whites and contribute a great deal to the look and feel of your smile. But unfortunately, issues like gum disease can cause your gum line to recede, exposing the roots of your teeth and causing all kinds of discomfort. One possible solution for this issue is a gum graft. Here’s more from your periodontist in Frisco about why gum grafts are sometimes necessary and some insight into the different types of available procedures.
Why Are Gum Grafts Sometimes Necessary?
The most common cause of gum disease that facilitates the need for a gum graft is poor oral hygiene. When excessive bacteria build up in your mouth and form plaque, your body isn’t able to easily stave off the infection. Certain factors, including chronic illnesses and medications, can also make a patient more susceptible to gum disease—even if they practice good oral care!
As the disease progresses, your gums can become swollen and prone to bleeding. But one of the most noticeable and alarming symptoms of gum disease is the recession of the gumline. When this happens, the sensitive roots of your teeth become exposed and vulnerable to all sorts of problems—even total tooth loss is an eventual possibility!
Different Types of Gum Surgery
Fortunately, your dentist can repair and rejuvenate gum tissue that’s been ravaged by gum disease with the help of a gum graft. Depending on the severity of the issue, there are a few different types of procedures that can be used:
- Pocket reduction (also known as gingival flap surgery) – In this procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will fold back the gums and remove the bacteria that’s present. Then, they’ll secure the gum tissue against your teeth rather than allowing it to grow back on its own.
- Regeneration – Similar to pocket reduction, your dentist will fold back the gums and remove disease-causing bacteria. However, they’ll then insert a combination of bone grafts, membranes, and tissue-stimulating proteins to encourage your gum tissue to regenerate and fit snugly around the teeth again.
- Crown lengthening – This involves your dentist removing an overgrowth of gum tissue from your teeth, making your teeth appear longer. This procedure doesn’t just treat gum disease—it also corrects the aesthetic flaws found in a gummy smile.
- Soft tissue graft – Your dentist will take sample tissue from somewhere else in your mouth and graft it wherever it’s needed, to replace tissue that’s receded or been removed due to gum disease. This procedure can also be used for cosmetic purposes, like crown lengthening.
It’s also worth noting that most patients have only mild to moderate pain after surgery that can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or a cold compress—meaning that a gum graft is nothing you need to be afraid of! If your dentist has informed you that you might need a gum graft, you can rest assured that it’s going to drastically improve the health of your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Zachary Carnow received his dental doctorate from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry and has proudly served patients and families in the Frisco, TX area for several years. His practice is pleased to offer many available services including gum disease treatment. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact Dr. Carnow through his practice’s website or over the phone for assistance: (214) 619-4990.