Gum Grafting
What is gum grafting?
Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that restores the pink, plump oral soft tissue, known as gums. The procedure involves placing new, healthy tissue in an area where little to no gum tissue currently exists. Gum grafting is often recommended when receding gum lines or advanced periodontal disease are present.
What are the reasons to have a gum grafting procedure performed?
Gum grafting may be performed if you have receding gums from advanced gum disease (periodontitis) or after a traumatic has impacted your gums. Regardless of the cause of receding gum lines or “toothy smiles”, gum grafting surgery performed by board-certified periodontist, Dr. Donald Steinberg, may be the right procedure for you. If you are concerned about your gum line or whether or not you have receding gums for any reason, you may want to schedule a consultation at DFW Implant Team in order to review the complexity of your gum condition and to discuss the best possible treatment options.
Gum grafting may also be necessary in order to protect your teeth. Extending your gum line and restoring the health of your gums with gum grafting may make your teeth easier to clean, decrease your tooth sensitivity and delay root decay that leads to tooth loss. Gum grafting may also be recommended along with other oral health treatments, such as deep cleaning, antibiotic treatment for infections, and more frequent dental exams to review the progress.
Because a recessed gum line makes your teeth more vulnerable to cavities, gum disease, and other potentially extensive dental problems, please schedule an appointment with Bedford periodontist, Dr. Donald Steinberg, and invest in your periodontal, dental and overall health. Gum recession is a common condition for adults over 40 years old but can happen at any age.
How is a gum grafting procedure performed?
As a minor oral surgery, gum grafting is a procedure where Dr. Steinberg will remove a section of the healthy, soft oral tissue from your own mouth and reattach it to the area of recession all while you are under a local anesthetic, and possibly an oral or IV sedative. Over time, the additional tissue will merge into the existing tissue to fill in and create plump, pink gums. If you have questions about sedation dentistry options for your gum grafting procedure, please call our office or review the information about sedation dentistry on our website.
How do I care for my gums after a gum grafting procedure?
Caring for your gums and oral health is an essential part of your recovery and overall health. After surgery, our staff will give you aftercare instruction on how to care for your gums. Please follow these instructions carefully in order to provide for optimal healing. Some important reminders include:
Practice great oral hygiene to keep the surgical site clean, including flossing every day
Please do not smoke or use tobacco products
A healthy body will heal faster if you avoid stress
Recruit a friend or relative to listen to the post-operative instructions along with you (you may not remember them if you are under the influence of sedatives and pain relievers)
Make sure to have nutritious foods at home for after your surgery, because you’ll be limited to a relatively soft and mild diet, and your medications may prevent you from driving to the grocery store
If you have any concerns or questions after the procedure, please call our office for assistance