Gum Recession Before
Gum Recession After
Gum Recession Grapevine Texas
If you’ve recently been told by your dentist or gum doctor (periodontist) that you need a gum graft, don’t panic. Gum surgery sounds worse than it is. A gum graft may be necessary to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of gum recession, or you may choose to have one to improve the appearance of your smile.
Gum recession is the process in which the tissue that surrounds the teeth pulls away from a tooth, exposing more of the tooth or the tooth’s root. This can cause damage to supporting bone. Gum recession is a common dental problem — advanced gum disease affects 4% to 12% of adults — that often goes unnoticed until it becomes more severe.
Many people don’t even notice that their gums have receded since it is a gradual process. However, over time, an exposed tooth root can not only look ugly but can cause tooth sensitivity, especially when eating cold or hot foods. Eventually, gum recession, if not treated, can cause tooth loss. To repair the damage and prevent further dental problems, a gum tissue graft may be needed.
Gum Recession Surgery
If you have been told you need a gum grafting procedure, you are probably wondering what exactly is it? A gum grafting procedure can be performed under IV sedation or local anesthetic, depending on the patient’s comfortability level. After numbing, a slight incision will be made on the roof of the mouth. The type of tissue graft dictates where the tissue is harvested from for your graft. If the tissue is taken from the middle layer and sutured closed this is called a connective tissue graft. Connective tissue grafts are mostly performed on the posterior teeth and tend to be less painful. If the tissue is taken from the surface layer and then grafted on your front teeth this is called a free tissue graft. Free tissue grafts tend to be more painful and require a surgical stent to alleviate the possible excessive bleeding. After the necessary tissue is harvested from the roof of the mouth, it will then be precisely grafted to the treatment area. This type of procedure is a highly technique-sensitive treatment. It is important to choose a knowledgeable and skilled specialist to avoid potential graft failure or complications. The recovery process is also very pertinent to ensure a healthy and successful recovery. Come see why we are the right choice for your gum grafting procedure today!