If your gums have begun to recede, gum grafting might be an option for restoring the appearance and health of your gums. Gum grafting is also referred to as gingival grafting and is a periodontal therapy used to replace lost gum tissue. As gum tissue recedes and exposes tooth roots, it leaves teeth more vulnerable to oral health problems. At our dental office in Cedar Falls, our experienced dentist and periodontist, Dr. Shawn Reese, can help!
Causes of Gum Recession
Several factors can contribute to the recession of gum tissue. A primary cause is periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. An oral injury could also lead to gum recession. Other factors that can potentially cause the gums to recede include inadequate brushing that leaves plaque behind on the teeth and either harsh or too much brushing, which can erode gum tissue. Certain types of removable dentures and oral appliances can also sometimes cause gum erosion if they frequently rub against and irritate the gums.
Gum Grafting Procedure
At our dental practice in Cedar Falls, the dentist performs gum grafting as an out-patient procedure. A local anesthesia is administered prior to beginning and most patients do not experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken if any discomfort develops. An antibiotic might be prescribed to prevent infection and a soft diet is usually recommended for about a week to help the gum tissue heal completely.
During the gum grafting procedure, new gum tissue is added to areas where the gums have receded. Adding healthy gum tissue helps prevent further gum recession, protects exposed tooth roots, and can improve the appearance of your smile. The new gum tissue that is grafted onto areas where deterioration has occurred can be taken from another of the patient’s mouth where there is plenty of healthy tissue. Donor gum tissue can also be used if a patient does not have enough. Donated tissues are medically processed in a lab and are completely safe to use.
Gum grafting can restore the health of your gums and even improve the appearance of your smile. To find out if gum grafting might be right for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Reese, our skilled periodontist and dentist, by calling our office in Cedar Falls, IA, at (319) 266-3393.