SOFT TISSUE GRAFT
If your dentist or periodontist has told you that you need a gum graft, don’t freak out. Gum surgery sounds worse than it is. Gum grafting or gingival grafting may be necessary to save your teeth from the damaging effects of gum recession, or you may choose to have gum grafting to improve the esthetics of your smile.
Gum recession occurs when the tissue surrounding your teeth pulls away from the teeth and exposes more of the tooth or the tooth’s root. Such exposure can cause damage to your tooth-supporting jawbone. Gum recession is a common dental problem that affects up to 12% of adults. Gum recession often goes unnoticed until it’s severe and requires emergency treatment.
Most people don’t even notice that their gums have receded slowly over time. Over time, an exposed tooth root cannot merely look unsightly, it can cause extreme sensitivity to hot or cold foods. If not treated promptly, gum recession eventually leads to tooth loss. But a gum tissue graft can repair the damage and help prevent further dental problems.
There are three different types of gum tissue grafts typically performed. These graft procedures include:
Connective-tissue grafts are the most common method for treating root exposure.
Free gingival grafts are similar to connective-tissue grafts but involve using tissue from the roof of the mouth. This method is used most often in people who have thin gums to begin with and need additional tissue to enlarge the gums.
Pedicle grafts take tissue from the gum near the tooth needing repair using a flap, called a pedicle. This procedure can only be performed if you have plenty of gum tissue near the affected tooth.
Your dentist can tell you which method will work best for you. A gum graft is a dental surgery performed to correct the effects of gum recession. Gum grafting is a quick and relatively simple surgery. Grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue where it has been lost due to excessive gingival recession.
We welcome patients from Santa Barbara and bordering cities and towns.
The team at Mesa Dental provides an array of restorative dental services combined with top-notch customer service. If you or anyone in your family is in need of dental bonding, wisdom teeth removal, root canals, gum disease treatment, gum grafting, inlays and onlays, dental crowns or dental fillings, we are here for you.
