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Gum grafting, also known as a gingival graft, is a procedure that repairs receding gums and restores the health and appearance of your gums. Gum recession typically occurs as a result of gum disease or brushing the teeth too aggressively.

What Involves in the Gum Graft Procedure?

A gum graft is a surgical procedure in which gum tissue is grafted to the gums to improve the appearance of the gums and to protect the teeth from excessive decay and damage. The grafting of the tissue can be from a donor source or from another part of the mouth, such as the floor of the mouth. During a gum graft procedure, the dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue near the area that needs to be treated. Next, the tissue will be separated and sutured into place. Finally, the stitch will be covered with a bandage to help minimize discomfort and help the site heal. During recovery, patients will need to follow the dentist’s instructions on home care to promote proper healing and avoid infection or other complications. Patients may need to take pain medications to manage discomfort following the procedure. It is common for there to be some swelling or bleeding during the first few days after the procedure, so patients should rest as much as possible during this period. Depending on the patient, stitches may need to be removed after a few days, or they may dissolve naturally over time. In some cases, a second procedure is needed to perfect the results. 

Why Consider a Gum Graft?

If your gums are receding, it’s possible that your teeth won’t look as attractive as they once did. A gum graft procedure can go a long way in restoring the health of your mouth and the appearance of your teeth at the same time. This procedure can be used to repair issues such as gum disease, bone deterioration, and even tooth loss in some cases. While this procedure can be uncomfortable for some, it’s typically worth it at the end when the procedure is successful.

What Are the Benefits of a Gum Graft?

The benefits of a gum graft procedure include the following:

Less risk of tooth loss: One of the main benefits of the gum graft procedure is that it can prevent you from getting additional cavities and losing even more of your teeth. Additionally, it can help preserve the shape of your jaw and prevent any skin contraction from occurring as a result of bone loss.

Improved appearance: When the gum graft procedure is successful, it can dramatically change the appearance of your smile. As a result, patients can smile confidently without worrying that their teeth may be showing too much of their gums.

Reduced sensitivity: A gum graft is a tissue graft procedure that uses a soft tissue graft to cover the exposed roots of the teeth. Using a soft piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth or gently pulling it from your existing gum line and transplanting it onto the affected tooth can improve your overall oral health and reduce sensitivity.

To learn more, call us at 904-794-1000 and arrange a visit with us at Dental Specialists of North Florida. We can help you determine the right treatment option for you!