Receding gums are a common dental problem that precedes severe periodontal disease. If left untreated, bacterial invasion can spread to the surrounding soft tissues and the bone, eventually leading to attachment loss and tooth loss. However, this can be overcome by comprehensive procedures like gum grafting, which can cover the exposed tooth roots to prevent further deterioration.
Maryville dentist and the team are well-equipped to provide the best and most personalized treatment approach for gum recession in order to safeguard the integrity of your gums and oral cavity.
What is gum grafting?
Gum grafting is a type of dental surgery that treats gum recession. It is a condition when your gums pull away from your teeth, exposing the underlying roots. This can lead to several adverse effects that negatively impact your oral form, function, and aesthetics.
Gum grafting aids in replacing the lost tissue around your teeth to improve oral health.
Why is gum grafting indicated?
Gum grafting is often recommended for the following conditions:
- Severe gum recession that cannot be treated through nonsurgical methods
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold due to exposed tooth roots
- Increased risk of decay or caries due to persistent bacterial invasion through deep gingival pockets
- Unaesthetic appearance of your gums due to exposed tooth roots, which gives a tooth smile
- Poor gum health due to plaque and tartar formation on the exposed roots can spread the infection to the underlying jawbone
What are the types of gum grafts?
Some of the most common types of gum grafting are:
- Free gingival graft
- Here, a layer of tissue is extracted from the palate and relocated to the area being affected by gum recession
- This is often used to thicken gum tissue
- Subepithelial connective tissue graft
- A layer of tissue is removed from the outer layer of the palate and implanted into the site of gum recession
- This is applicable if you have exposed tooth roots
- Acellular dermal matrix allograft
- This process uses medically processed, donated human tissue as a source of gum graft.
- This is left painful and beneficial since it is not extracted from any donor site in your mouth
- Pedicle graft
- The graft is obtained by detaching the gum tissue above or below the tooth and then pulling it over the exposed tooth root
Conclusion
Knowing that you may require gum surgery might be scary. However, it may offer several benefits with high success rates and quick recovery. Gum grafting can help restore your gums and protect your teeth, in addition to improving the appearance of your smile.
