Have your teeth started to look longer than you remember? Or have you noticed that your gumline seems lower than it used to be? These might be signs of receding gums. Gum recession can be caused by things like genetics, brushing habits, or periodontal disease. Without treatment, receding gums can eventually lead to tooth sensitivity, decay, and even tooth loss.
One effective way to treat gum recession is through gum grafting. At Orchid Periodontics & Dental Implants, Dr. Ellie Javadi recommends this treatment to help restore your gum health and enhance your overall smile. So let’s talk about gum grafting, how it works, and why it might be right for you.
What Is Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting is a surgical procedure designed to add extra tissue to areas where your gums have receded. During the process, Dr. Javadi will carefully place new, healthy gum tissue around your tooth or teeth to protect the roots and rebuild your gum line. This tissue is typically sourced from either your palate (the roof of your mouth) or a licensed donor bank. Once in place, your gums will naturally fuse with the graft, creating a stable foundation for your teeth.
Why Is Gum Grafting Necessary?
Signs that your gums are shrinking back can be increased tooth sensitivity or teeth that may look longer than they used to. The main reasons we recommend gum grafting include:
- Protecting Your Roots: Exposed tooth roots are more vulnerable to decay and can cause sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet foods.
- Preventing Further Recession: Grafting helps reinforce the gum line, preventing future recession that could compromise your oral health.
- Improving Aesthetics: A higher gum line can make your smile look longer, sometimes making you feel self-conscious. Gum grafting can restore a natural, more aesthetically pleasing look to your smile.
- Enhancing Overall Oral Health: A healthy gum line is crucial in preventing gum disease progression and maintaining strong, stable teeth
What Happens During Gum Grafting?
We know the idea of surgeries (especially dental procedures) can feel intimidating, but our goal is to make your gum grafting experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect from your gum grating procedure:
- Consultation and Examination: Dr. Javadi will evaluate your gums, discuss your dental history, and determine if you’re a good candidate for gum grafting.
- Preparation: On the day of your procedure, we’ll numb the area so you won’t feel any pain. We’ll then prepare the recipient site (the area needing the graft).
- Tissue Graft Placement: Dr. Javadi will position a small piece of tissue (from the roof of your mouth or a donor source) over the recessed area of your gum. She will then secure it with tiny stitches.
- Post-Op Care: We’ll provide detailed instructions on how to care for the grafted area, including recommendations for a soft-food diet and proper brushing techniques.
What To Expect During Gum Grafting Recovery
You’ll likely have some minor pain and swelling for a few days after gum grafting. You might need to stick to soft foods (like yogurt, eggs, and smoothies) and avoid vigorous brushing directly on the graft site until it’s fully healed.
We’ll give you instructions on how to care for your new graft. These will help your recovery be as smooth as possible. With proper home care and follow-up visits to Orchid Periodontics & Dental Implants, your gums should heal beautifully and provide long-lasting protection for your teeth.
Gum Grafting At Orchid Periodontics & Dental Implants
It can be very challenging living with tooth sensitivity. Having to be careful what you eat and avoiding certain foods isn’t fun for anyone. It also isn’t nice to feel self-conscious about your smile due to receding gums. If you’re ready to put these problems behind you, gum grafting could be the treatment you need.
We’re here to help you see a healthier, more confident smile. Call Orchid Periodontics & Dental Implants at (425) 775-2002 today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Javadi and discuss your gum grafting treatment options. You can also fill out our online contact form to learn more about how we can restore your gum line and elevate your oral health.