Skip to main content

What Are Gum Grafts and What Can They Accomplish?


A gum graft is a surgical procedure that protects your teeth from the cosmetic and functional effects of receding gums. Receding gums can be caused by several factors, including severe periodontal disease, overly aggressive tooth brushing, injuries, and even smoking tobacco.

Receding gums is a very gradual process when your gum tissue draws away from your teeth with the result that your tooth’s root is exposed. Receding gums and the exposure of a tooth’s root leaves the tooth looking unattractive, causes tooth sensitivity to heat and cold, and can eventually cause tooth loss. Gum grafts are a procedure intended to repair the damage caused by receding gums and to prevent serious and progressing dental problems.

What are the benefits of a gum graft?

Gum grafts are a procedure that can both accomplish cosmetic dentistry goals and address the consequences of gum diseases in Calgary. The benefits of gum grafts in Calgary include:

●       The elimination of the risk of tooth and bone loss

●       Decreasing the risk of tooth decay

●       To eliminate tooth sensitivity caused by receding gums

What happens during a gum graft?

Your periodontist will take tissue from elsewhere in your mouth — or from a tissue bank or even synthetic tissue — to replace gum tissue that has shrunk away from your teeth. There are three different types of gum grafts that use tissue from your own mouth or gums:

Connective-tissue grafts are the most common type of gum graft performed. A flap of skin will be cut from your upper palate (the roof of your mouth). Tissue called subepithelial connective tissue will be removed from underneath that flap.The flap will be stitched closed when the procedure is done. That connective tissue will be relocated to and stitched to the area affected by your receding gums. The tissue will be placed around and adjacent to the exposed root, and stitched to your existing gums.

Free gingival grafts have much in common with a connective-tissue graft except that, during a free gingival graft, no flap is cut into the roof of your mouth. Instead, tissue is removed directly from your upper palate to be relocated and stitched to your gums around your receded gums.

Pedicle grafts do not rely on tissue taken from the roof of your mouth. Instead, your dentist in Calgary will make an incision in your gum near the affected tooth, then pull the resulting gum flap — called a pedicle — to cover the exposed tooth root. Once the pedicle is pulled into place, your dentist will so the flap into place around the tooth root.

Recovering from a gum graft

Each type of procedure produces different levels of potential pain and discomfort. Connective-tissue and free gingival grafts that involve the removal of tissue from the roof of your mouth may make you uncomfortable for the first few days after the procedure. The discomfort will be akin to the burn you might receive from eating too-hot pizza. Within a week or two of your gum graft procedure, you’ll have recovered fully.

During the planning of your gum graft procedure, your dentist will provide you with detailed information about what to expect during and after your gum graft. Those instructions will include steps to take to ensure your full and speediest possible recovery. Some basic instructions to keep in mind as you consider and prepare for a gum graft procedure are:

●       Do not brush or floss the affected area of your gums until healing is complete

●       Use the mouth rinse provided or recommended by your dentist to control plaque

●       If prescribed any antibiotics to address the risk of infection, take all those antibiotics as directed

●       During the first two weeks after your gum graft, eat only soft and cool foods

Are you dissatisfied with the appearance of your gums? Are you experiencing receding gums as the result of periodontitis or any other cause? If so, contact a dentist in Calgary to determine if gum grafts can solve those issues. Gum grafts can provide an effective solution to both those cosmetic concerns and the potentially serious health implications of receding gums. Some nervousness about gum grafts is normal considering they involve incisions and stitches, but the procedure is common, effective, and regularly performed without complications.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Invisalign: Everything You Need to Know

Invisalign in NW Calgary is the more preferred solution among patients with simple misalignment issues. They are made from transparent plastic material, meaning they are practically invisible to others unlike standard metallic braces. They are also removable which makes it easier for you to maintain your oral hygiene and avoid any form of discomfort when eating. Your Comprehensive Guide to Invisalign Near You Invisalign is a removable type of aligner that has been customized to suit the personal needs of the patient. It does not come with awkward brackets and wires that makes things complicated. However, just like traditional braces, you will also be asked to return to your dental office in Calgary to monitor your progress. What Types of Dental Problems Can be Corrected with Invisalign? If you think that your crooked teeth can be fixed with Invisalign, you should visit our dental office today. We can help determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment. Usually, ...
2 comments
Read more

Choosing a Periodontist: How to Do It and Why It Matters?

Periodontists are dental professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of periodontal issues. They are also experts in non-surgical and surgical procedures such as implants, bone grafting, flap surgery, and others. If you suspect that the symptoms you are experiencing are related to gum disease, you should visit your periodontist in Calgary at once. A routine periodontal examination must always be a part of your oral care regimen. These examinations could actually help to reverse periodontal disease if it’s detected in its early stages. Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Periodontist Near You A proper evaluation at your  dental office in Calgary may be the only way to determine the presence of periodontal disease. We also recommend people with diabetes, malnutrition, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, and heart disease to visit their periodontist more often due to the relation of gum infection to systemic diseases. Nonetheless,...
Post a Comment
Read more

Top 5 Benefits of Wearing a Mouth Guard at Night

If you grind your teeth or experience jaw pain while sleeping, your dentist might suggest a night guard. These simple dental devices are often overlooked, but they can make a big difference in your oral and overall health. Whether you're dealing with bruxism, jaw tension, or even sleep apnea, a night guard can help. And if you’re searching for mouth guards near you , this guide will explain why wearing one at night can improve your life. 1. Prevents Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) One of the most common reasons people wear night guards is to stop teeth grinding—also known as bruxism. This unconscious habit happens mostly during sleep and can wear down your tooth enamel, cause tooth sensitivity, and even lead to cracks or fractures. A night guard acts as a protective barrier, preventing your teeth from grinding against each other. If left untreated, bruxism can result in costly dental treatments like crowns, fillings, or even tooth extractions. So, addressing it early with a night guard...
Post a Comment
Read more