Gum grafting is a unique and innovative type of dental procedure that is highly effective at improving overall oral health and dental wellness. Those with severe periodontal disease stand to gain the most from gum grafting. Gum grafts are highly effective at protecting teeth from the damaging effects of gum recession. In some instances, grafting is also used as a way to improve visual appearance by creating a better and more attractive smile. When the tissue around the teeth recedes or pulls away from the tooth more of the toot root is exposed. Gum grafting addresses this issue through minor surgical procedures. Surprisingly, most people do not even notice if their gums have started to recede. This is due to the fact that the process is very gradual in nature.

Tooth Loss Can Occur

That said over time gum recession can cause serious dental health related problems. Perhaps one of the first indicators that gum recession is happening is increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods. Note that if this condition is not treated that ultimately tooth loss can occur. Gum grafting is accomplished by surgically placing grafts directly to the gums as needed. There are a few different types of gum grafting procedures to consider. One is known as the connective tissue graft. This is perhaps the more common type of procedure in use today. It is used to treat excessive tooth root exposure through the use of a flap of skin that is cut from the patient’s pallet or roof of the mouth. The tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth and stitched directly to gum tissue surrounding an exposed tooth root.

Surgically Attached to the Gum

Equally effective is something known as the free gingival graft. This procedure is similar in many ways to the connective tissue graft in that it involves removing tissue from the patient’s palate. It is different however in that rather than making a flap and removing tissue under the top layer of flesh, a small portion of tissue is taken directly from the roof of the mouth. This tissue is then surgically attached to the gum that requires treatment. This procedure is more commonly seen in patients with gums that are thin in nature. Finally, something known as a pedicle graft involves using tissue that is more local to where the graft is required. In other words, tissue is taken from an area very near to the tooth that requires grafting. To learn more about gum grafting talk with your Elk Grove dentist, Dr. My Huynh at Laguna Park Dentistry today.

References:
[1] Do I Need Gum Grafting?
[2] Periodontics and You