We see gum recession on a daily basis, yet some people still feel shame when confronting the issue. We have solutions for you, but often the entire idea of oral surgery is frightening to individuals. But they shouldn’t!
Today, your Newport Beach, CA dentist explains how gum grafts may be helpful to you.
Are Your Gums Receding?
Gum recession is incredibly common, yet comes with shame for some. People will try to alter their smile or cover their mouth with their hands more. But this is a medical issue and should be treated as such.
The underlying issue is the infection of the tissue of the gums. This will not improve significantly without the help of a trained oral health professional. So it is important to take this seriously, with the recognition that help is certainly available to you.
What Are My Options?
The type of graft that will be performed on your gums depends on the severity of the recession and the size of the infection. Infections over a larger portion of the gums require more extensive surgery. As the infection can return to a new graft, the entirety of a section should be treated at once.
Free gingival grafts are very commonly performed procedures to replace missing or infected gum tissue. The goal of this grafting operation is to ensure that the root of the tooth is covered by healthy gum tissue. Gingival grafts are safe and predictable, with a very low risk of complication.
For more intensive surgery, your dentist may perform what is called a soft tissue graft. This procedure includes the removal of a section of gum tissue from a donor site. This tissue is then used as seed material, which grows into the existing gum. While it may seem frightening, this is also a very common procedure.
What Is The Procedure Like?
Initially, the dentist will detach any infected tissue from the tooth, while cleaning the area, especially the pocket between tooth and gum. Infected tissue is removed, limiting further bacterial growth. After this, the dentist stretches the remaining gum tissue back to a healthy level. This simple procedure takes around 45 minutes on average, using local anesthesia.
If this is a soft tissue graft, donor material will be attached to the site of the removed infected area. The dentist applies a skin-like adhesive bandage on the donor site after, to ensure a healthy recovery. The mouth heals very quickly.
A soft diet is required for around a week, your dentist will give you a guideline. Recovery is usually quick and easy, without the haziness of general anaesthesia. And much less intrusive in its interruption of your life!
Questions About The Process?
If you have any questions about gum grafts, please give Dr. Hofkes at Balboa Dental Surgery a call at (949)630-0143. Or stop by our office here in Newport Beach, CA!
Recent Comments