It’s important to remember that the loss of gum tissue can impact your oral health. If you’re not yet experiencing discomfort as a result of your gum loss, chances are good that you eventually will.
What is Gum Grafting?
As most of us know from conversations with our dentist about periodontal (gum) care, gum loss or recession is a common phenomenon. The loss of gum tissue is usually associated with poor dental hygiene, periodontal disease or our normal aging process. As the gums recede from the teeth, the teeth begin to appear longer and the face appears older.
More than simply a cosmetic issue, however, gum loss can eventually result in the exposure of a portion of the tooth’s root, causing pain and sensitivity and the potential for damage to the root itself. The loss of gum tissue also strips away one of your mouth’s most important defense mechanisms against harmful bacteria. Anytime gum loss is significant, gum grafting may be recommended to improve your appearance and the overall health of your teeth.
Gum grafting involves the reconstruction of gum tissue that has been lost by replacing it with “donor” tissue from another part of the mouth (usually the roof). Replacing the lost tissue will not only improve the appearance of the teeth, but should also reduce sensitivity, prevent damage to the root and, when combined with effective home care, reduce further recession.
Should I Consider Gum Grafting?
Individuals who are experiencing the effects of significant gum loss, cosmetic or otherwise, are good candidates for gum grafting. If your dentist determines that you do not have a sufficient amount of gum tissue to maintain your long-term oral health, he will likely recommend grafting. Gum grafts may be recommended for only some of your teeth, or your dentist may recommend that all of your teeth are treated depending on the severity of your condition.
What Are the Benefits?
For those with severe gum loss, gum grafting may be the only effective treatment option available. Assuming that the gum grafts “take” well, the procedure will help improve your overall oral health by reestablishing a natural barrier against bacteria, preventing decay of your roots and slowing or stopping the further recession of your gums.
Gum grafting should also make eating and drinking more comfortable. Since the grafts cover previously exposed root tissue, the pain and discomfort associated with the roots’ exposure is alleviated. Sensitivity to hot and cold foods should be reduced or eliminated as a result of the grafting procedure.
The cosmetic benefits of gum grafting are obvious. By replacing lost gum tissue, your dentist can improve the look of your teeth and in some cases create a more youthful appearance overall. For individuals who have been concerned about the aesthetics of gum loss, the procedure can help to boost confidence and improve self-esteem.
Gum grafting is well-established as a highly effective treatment method for gum loss, and in most cases, offers a predictable, favorable outcome for the patient. The procedure itself is completed fairly quickly, and the recovery period is relatively short — about a week.
