Gum Grafting (Soft Tissue Grafts) In Edmonds & Serving Patients In Seattle, WA
You may have noticed that your gums bleed frequently, look red and puffy, and have slowly been showing more of your teeth, including the tops of the roots. You might also have a tooth or multiple teeth that feel surprisingly sensitive or painful anytime you eat or chew. These are just some of the signs of gum recession, a condition that causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. If you suspect your gums are receding, scheduling an appointment with your dentist is crucial. One of the causes of gum recession can be periodontal disease. Gum disease can lead to extensive gum issues, tooth loss, and even health concerns.
Soft tissue grafting, or gum grafting, is the process of thickening the amount of limited gum due to receding gum tissue. This procedure uses a healthy tissue graft from another area of your mouth to augment the gums, which may help reduce tooth sensitivity, create an even gum line, and aid in root coverage when necessary. Gum grafts are very beneficial for reducing gum recession and bone loss.
Without healthy gums to act as a barrier, certain bacteria can break down and decay the roots of your teeth, leading to infections, pain/discomfort, and, eventually, tooth loss. A dentist specializing in gum disease treatment—a periodontist—like Dr. Javadi is the best choice for gum grafting in Edmonds and the Seattle area.
Understanding Gum Recession
Gum recession is a common oral condition that causes your gums to slowly pull away from the root of your tooth (or multiple teeth). The lack of a gummy covering leaves the root exposed to harmful bacteria that can lead to tooth decay, gumline cavities, and tooth loss.
There are many possible contributors to gum recession, including:
- Gum/periodontal disease
- Poor oral hygiene
- Lip frenum pull
- Over-brushing your gums
- Hormonal changes
- Grinding your teeth
- Teeth that are misaligned and difficult to brush/floss
- Lip or tongue piercings
- Mouth injuries
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Chewing tobacco
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Medical conditions
- Certain medications
What Is Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting is one of the most common and successful surgical procedures to treat gum recession. This surgery uses a section of healthy tissue from your mouth (or a licensed donor bank) to protect the affected roots. After a successful gum graft procedure, the healthy tissue integrates with the roots and surrounding tissue, forming a long-lasting shield to block bacteria and decay. Gum grafts prevent further harm to the tooth and dramatically decrease the chance of tooth loss due to gum recession.
Types Of Gum Grafts
There are two types of gum grafts; the type you need depends on how far your periodontal disease has progressed.
Gingival Graft
If you’re in the early stages of gum disease, you may be experiencing thinning of the gums around the roots of your teeth. At this point, the best approach is the gingival graft, which usually addresses a smaller area. A tissue graft may be taken from the palate of the mouth to create thicker gums in the areas of tissue recession.
Surgical Process
The soft tissue graft may work well for advanced stages of periodontal disease, including root coverage. This procedure uses either the patient’s own tissue or sterile, ready-to-use graft material from a tissue bank or animal sources. Soft tissue grafting can cover a larger area of exposed roots to prevent tartar build-up, nerve exposure, and tooth loss.
When Is Gum Grafting Necessary?
Soft tissue grafting may be necessary as a preventative measure or a treatment for ongoing gum issues and root exposure. These are some signs that indicate you may benefit from gum grafting:
- You have thinning or receding gums
- Your teeth look longer due to gum recession
- The roots are visible below one or more of your teeth
- There are deep pockets between your teeth and gums
- You’re concerned about the aesthetic appearance of your gums
- You have a family history of gum disease
- You have poor gum health (gums that bleed and are tender, swollen, or red)
The Gum Grafting Procedure In Edmonds & Seattle
Before your gum grafting procedure, you should avoid all blood-thinning medications, wear comfortable clothes, eat a light breakfast (or lunch), and follow any additional instructions from Dr. Javadi.
Surgical Process
To begin the procedure, Dr. Javadi will numb the area with a local anesthetic to prevent pain during gum grafting. She will make an incision in your gums; then, she will take an area of tissue from the roof of your mouth (she may substitute donor tissue if needed). This tissue will cover your thinning or receding gums and the exposed roots of teeth. For the final step, Dr. Javadi will use sutures to secure the graft and allow it to begin healing and attaching to other gum tissue and the roots.
Post-Procedure Care
After surgery, you’ll likely have some pain and swelling. Take all your prescribed medications to reduce pain and avoid infection. Get plenty of rest immediately after the procedure, and follow any other immediate post-procedure instructions from Dr. Javadi.
Recovery After Gum Grafting
The recovery time from gum grafting can take anywhere between several days to a week. The average time it takes to heal and see the graft begin to integrate is two to four weeks. Here are some tips to make your recovery as smooth as possible:
- Don’t eat foods that are too hot, cold, spicy, or difficult to chew
- Stick to a diet of soft, cool foods, like pudding and yogurt
- Continue to use pain medication to manage any discomfort
- Don’t do any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least the first week post-procedure
Multiple post-operative visits may be needed. Attend all appointments with Dr. Javadi so she can check the progress of your gum graft. You should also schedule future deep cleanings and any other treatments Dr. Javadi suggests.
Benefits Of Gum Grafting
Your oral health has a significant impact on how you look as well as on your overall well-being. You don’t have to look far to see the benefits of gum grafting, which include:
- Healthier gums and teeth
- Decreased tooth sensitivity
- Natural-looking gum grafts
- Lower chances of developing cavities due to root exposure
- An enhanced, more aesthetic smile
- Long-lasting results that positively affect your oral and physical health
- Prevention of future gum problems in the graft area
Why Choose Orchid Periodontics & Dental Implants For Gum Grafting In Edmonds & Seattle?
You want to feel confident in the periodontal practice you choose for your gum grafting procedure. Dr. Javadi is known for excellent gum grafting results and first-rate patient care. When you attend your consultation with Dr. Javadi at Orchid Periodontics & Dental Implants, you’ll find an experienced team specializing in gum disease treatment. With each appointment focusing on your care and comfort, you can be sure you’ve chosen the best place for periodontal care and gum grafting near Seattle.
How Much Does Gum Grafting Cost In Edmonds & Seattle, WA?
Gum grafting expenses vary depending on certain factors, such as how large the treatment area is, the type of gum graft, how many teeth need grafts to cover the roots, and the added cost of any other dental work you may need. Dr. Javadi can give you an estimated price during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gum Grafting Painful?
During the actual procedure, many patients don’t feel any pain due to the local anesthetic that Dr. Javadi uses to numb the surgical area. You may still feel pressure or discomfort, but this is usually minimal. After surgery, you may have pain as the anesthetic wears off. Dr. Javadi may prescribe pain medication to help you remain as comfortable as possible while you recover.
How Long Does The Procedure Take?
The amount of time gum grafting surgery takes will depend on how large of an area Dr. Javadi is treating. On average, gum grafting of one tooth takes 1 to 2 hours. The more grafting that’s needed, the more time you can expect your surgery to last.
What Are The Risks Associated With Gum Grafting?
Like any surgery, gum grafting comes with a few risks and potential complications, including:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Sensitive teeth in the treatment area
- Teeth feeling loose (temporarily)
- Infection
- Gum graft failure
At Orchid Periodontics & Dental Implants, we prioritize your safety. Dr. Javadi may prescribe an antibiotic post-surgery to help prevent infection during your recovery. Your post-gum grafting instructions may also include using an antibacterial mouthwash to help keep your mouth free of bacteria while your grafts heal.
Can Gum Grafting Fail?
Gum grafts are highly successful and rarely fail. The more experienced your periodontist and their team are, the less likely you will have complications and unsuccessful grafts. To increase your chances of a successful gum graft, follow Dr. Javadi’s instructions for post-gum grafting care. Remember to maintain healthy and regular oral hygiene habits and attend follow-up appointments!
How Soon Can I Return To Normal Activities After The Procedure?
Many patients can get back to work and daily activities a day or two after their gum grafting surgery. If your job involves heavy lifting or lots of speaking, you may need to wait a bit longer to return to work since heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, excessive speaking, etc., can increase your chances of post-surgical swelling and bleeding. After 4 to 5 days, Dr. Javadi will likely clear you to return to all your normal activities.
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