Gum grafting is a restorative dentistry procedure used to treat receding gums. It involves transplanting tissue to the affected area to protect the teeth and improve the appearance of the gumline. This helps prevent further recession and bone loss, and can reduce tooth sensitivity and decay. Our implant dentist in Mountain View, Dr. Donian Shen, offers gum grafting to help patients obtain a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smile.
What Is Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting gum recession, where the margin of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. Dr. Shen performs this procedure by transplanting tissue, typically from the patient’s palate or using synthetic materials, to the receding area. This technique not only protects the exposed roots from decay and further damage but also improves the aesthetic appearance of the gums and teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting offers patients a number of functional and cosmetic benefits, including:
- Reduced Sensitivity: Gum grafting protects exposed tooth roots, decreasing sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Improved Appearance: The procedure can enhance smile aesthetics by evening out the gum line.
- Prevention of Decay: Newly grafted gum tissue covers exposed roots to help prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Halting of Gum Recession: Grafted tissue helps halt further gum recession and bone loss.
- Increased Comfort: Gum grafting creates a more uniform gum line, improving overall oral comfort.
How Is Gum Grafting Performed?
Gum grafting is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the procedure. The process begins with the dentist choosing a graft source—either from the patient’s own palate, a donor source, or synthetic material. The most common type, called a connective tissue graft, involves creating a small flap in the roof of the mouth to remove some connective tissue, which is then stitched to the gum area experiencing recession. An alternative method, the free gingival graft, involves taking a direct layer of tissue from the palate and attaching it to the affected site. Another approach, the pedicle graft, adjusts existing tissue from neighboring areas without removing it completely. After positioning the graft, it is secured with tiny stitches. The site heals over a period of a few weeks, during which the new tissue integrates with the existing gum structure, providing a healthier, more robust gumline.
Struggling with receding gums or interested in learning more? Contact Smile By Design today to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Shen.