A Gum Graft Can Even Out Your Gum Line and Rebuild Oral Health

Dentist in Irving, TX

Age or gum disease can often trigger gum recession, a phenomenon in which the gums pull away from the teeth and dental roots. This can not only leave patients unsatisfied with the appearance of their smile, but also causes pronounced tooth sensitivity.

Fortunately, a gum graft at Kids and Grownups Dental in Irving, TX, can restore your natural gum line, ease discomfort, and protect your dental roots from periodontal disease. If you are considering dental implants, this procedure can also boost your chances for a successful treatment. Drs. Joshua Lee and John Lee use a number of advanced gum grafting techniques to lay the foundations for a healthier smile.

Understanding The Long-Term Effects of Gum Recession

Gum recession is a common side effect of both periodontal disease and aging. During periodontitis, pockets of bacteria form in the gums and expand, causing soft tissues to pull away from the underlying bone. Gum recession resulting from age is often a consequence of long-term teeth grinding.

Whatever the cause, the results of recession can have a considerable impact on many aspects of your smile. Many patients are unhappy with how it can leave their teeth looking crooked or old. Furthermore, gum recession can affect your oral health: the soft tissues can no longer protect your dental roots, leaving them susceptible to bacteria. Recession can even leave patients more sensitive to temperature and pressure. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you are likely a candidate for a gum graft.

Gum Grafting before Dental Implants

At Kids and Grownups Dental, we often perform gum grafting in preparation for dental implant surgery. Just like your jawbone, your gums play an important role in the success of dental implants by stabilizing the titanium posts. Untreated gum recession can cause implants to come loose and potentially undermine the entire treatment. A gum graft can replace loosened soft tissues around the posts, lending additional stability to the implants and increasing your chances for success.

A gum graft can restore protection for exposed teeth and their roots.

The Gum Grafting Procedure

During a gum graft, Dr. Joshua Lee or Dr. John Lee attach a sample of soft tissue to the recessed areas of your gum line using small, dissolvable stitches. As you heal, the new tissues will integrate with your gums almost seamlessly.

Although the basic procedure is always the same, your dentist can use one of several techniques to retrieve the necessary soft tissue:

  • Free gingival grafts: During this process, your practitioner takes a tissue sample from your soft palate and grafts it onto the recessed gum line.
  • Connective tissue grafts: With this technique, Dr. Lee creates a flap in the soft palate and removes the grafting tissue from the layer beneath.
  • Pedicle grafts: Recommended for mild cases of recession, pedicle grafts are taken from near the exposed tooth root. Rather than completely detaching the tissue, the doctor simply stretches it to cover the root.

Patients can rest assured that every gum graft treatment is a virtually discomfort-free procedure. We provide both anesthetic and nitrous oxide to minimize discomfort and help you relax.

Realign Your Gums Today

Our doctors have years of experience and will choose a safe, effective gum grafting technique to suit your needs. Contact our office online to schedule your consultation or give us a call at (817) 482-3804.

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Get In Touch With Us

Address: 2651 Texas Dr, Irving, TX 75062
Phone: (817) 532-5261
Email: kgdental@kidsandgrownupsdental.com

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