Gum recession – the process in which the tissue surrounding the teeth pulls away, exposing the tooth’s root – is one of the most common unnoticed dental problems in patients, affecting 4-12% of adults in the U.S.
Leading causes include periodontal disease, inflammation, aging, over brushing, teeth grinding, and poor tooth positioning; tooth-root exposure can result in substantial pain/discomfort in eating hot and cold foods, uneven sizing, tooth decay, abrasion, destroyed tissue, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Soft tissue grafting can help repair damage, halt tissue and bone loss, and prevent further recession.
If you’re experiencing any receding in your gums, a soft tissue graft is the best solution in order to improve the overall quality of your teeth and brighten your smile.
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Three Types of Procedures
- Free Gingival Graft – most commonly needed for patients with already-thin hums who need to thicken them with additional tissue in order to prevent further recession, this procedure consists of our dental professionals removing a small strip of tissue directly from the roof of the mouth and then carefully stitching it to the treated gum area
- Connective Tissue Graft – the most common treatment for treating root exposure, our dental professionals will carefully cut open a small flap of skin from the root of the mouth, remove a piece of subepithelial connective tissue from under the top layer, and then stitch both the tissue to the needed area and the exposed flap back down
- Pedicle Graft – mainly applicable for patients who already have much gum tissue around the tooth, this procedure involves our dental professionals partially cutting a tissue flap (or pedicle) near the gum recession, folding the flap over the adjacent area and then stitched back into place to cover the root; this “sharing” of tissue is usually the most successful because there is no restriction of blood flow anywhere in the mouth
Our Aid in Recovery
You’ll be able to leave our offices shortly after the procedure and resume normal activities the next day – all you need to do is schedule a follow-up appointment with us so we can make sure everything is healing properly. The graft should be fully repaired in about a few weeks, in which case our dental professionals will recommend the best time to start brushing or flossing regularly again, as well as prescribe any necessary antimicrobial mouth rinse to prevent infection or over-the-counter medications to relieve pain. We at Cirocco Dental Center are committed to giving you the most comfortable, satisfying experience so that both you and your teeth will feel brand new!
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