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Gum Grafting In San Antonio TX
At Advanced Periodontics & Dental Implants, we understand that receding gums can cause discomfort and have an effect on the overall look of your smile. When that happens we may need to perform gum grafting, we offer these services in Schertz to help our patients from throughout San Antonio to restore the natural beauty of their smiles. Our periodontist and team of experienced dental professionals will provide you with the highest quality of care, ensuring that your gum grafting procedure is safe and successful.
What Is Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting surgery is a type of periodontal procedure that involves grafting healthy tissue onto the affected gums in order to restore the original height and shape of the gum line. This procedure can help to protect the exposed tooth roots from further damage and decay, and can also help to improve the overall appearance of your smile.
Why Do I Need Gum Grafting?
Your gums can recede for a variety of reasons, including periodontal disease (gum disease), aggressive brushing, or even genetics. No matter the cause, gum recession can increase the risk of tooth decay or tooth loss and root and tooth sensitivity, as well as cause an aesthetically unpleasant look. Gum grafting is an effective way to treat gum recession and restore the original shape of the gum line.
What Gum Grafting Involves
During the gum grafting procedure, our periodontist will collect healthy gum tissue directly from the roof of your mouth or tissue from another donor source and transplant it onto the affected area. This piece of tissue graft will then be sutured in place to encourage the soft tissue to attach and heal properly. Depending on the extent of the procedure, this may be done using local anesthetic or sedation.
Benefits of Gum Grafting
- Protects exposed tooth roots:
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding a tooth pulls back or wears away, exposing the root of the tooth. This can cause sensitivity and pain when eating, drinking, or brushing. Gum grafting can protect the exposed tooth root by adding gum tissue to the affected area, which covers the exposed root and helps prevent further damage or decay.
- Reduces root sensitivity:
Exposed tooth roots can be very sensitive to temperature, pressure, and other stimuli. Gum grafting can help reduce root sensitivity by covering the exposed root with healthy gum tissue, which acts as a barrier and reduces sensitivity to external factors.
- Prevents further gum recession:
Without treatment, gum recession can progress and lead to further tooth and gum damage. Gum grafting can help prevent further gum recession by adding healthy gum tissue to the affected area and stabilizing the gumline.
- Improves the overall appearance of your smile:
Gum recession can make teeth appear longer and uneven, and can also affect the overall appearance of your smile. Gum grafting can improve the aesthetics of your smile by restoring the natural contour of your gums and creating a more uniform and attractive appearance. Additionally, healthy gums can enhance the appearance of your teeth by providing a stable foundation for restorative or cosmetic dental treatments.
FAQ's
Am I a Candidate for Gum Grafting?
You may be a candidate for gum grafting if you have gum recession caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease, or aggressive brushing habits. To determine if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure, Dr. Al will examine your gums, teeth, and the depth of your gum pockets. People with good oral hygiene practices and strong immune systems are typically good candidates for gum grafting. However, having certain medical conditions such as diabetes or being pregnant, may affect the suitability of the procedure. Furthermore, if you are a smoker, you may be advised to quit smoking before and after the procedure to improve your chances of success.
Does a gum graft hurt?
A gum graft can be a procedure that causes some level of discomfort, but it does not necessarily hurt. The surgical site will be numbed with an anesthetic, and patients can speak to their dentist about using sedation methods to reduce any anxiety or pain. After the surgery, patients may experience some mild discomfort, but it typically subsides within a few days with the use of pain relievers. There may also be slight swelling and bleeding, but this also usually subsides quickly. Proper aftercare, such as keeping the area clean, avoiding hard and crunchy foods, and not smoking, can help ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery from a gum graft. Ultimately, the procedure may cause some temporary discomfort, but the benefits for oral health and a beautiful smile make it a worthwhile investment.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you’re interested in learning more about gum grafting in San Antonio, call our office today to schedule an appointment. Our experienced periodontist will discuss the best treatment options for your individual needs. Having gum recession is extremely uncomfortable and it’s best to deal with it sooner rather than later. We look forward to helping you restore the beauty of your smile!
