Severe, untreated periodontal diseases often give way to other issues, especially gum recession. Bacterial infection can spread from your tooth surface to the gums, deeper into the jawbone, leading to tooth loss. Gum grafting is an advanced dental procedure that aids in covering the exposed tooth roots to prevent further deterioration.
Gum grafting, offered by the team of family and cosmetic dentistry in Jackson Heights, helps safeguard the integrity of your gums and oral cavity.
Understanding gum grafting
Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that helps treat gum recession. It is a condition characterized by abnormal pulling of your gum tissues away from your teeth, exposing the underlying roots. This can lead to several adverse effects that negatively impact your oral function and aesthetics.
Gum grafting aids in replacing the lost tissue around your teeth using an implant (a soft tissue taken from other parts of your oral cavity or from a donor) to improve your oral health.
Indications of gum grafting
Dentists generally recommend gum grafts to treat the following conditions:
- Severe gum recession that cannot be treated through nonsurgical methods
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold due to exposed tooth roots
- Increased risk of decay or caries due to persistent bacterial invasion through deep gingival pockets
- The unaesthetic appearance of your gums due to exposed tooth roots
- Poor gum health due to plaque and tartar formation on the exposed roots, spreading the infection to the underlying jawbone
Type of gum grafts
Some of the most common types of gum grafts include:
Free gingival graft
A layer of tissue is extracted from the palate and relocated to the area being affected and is often used to thicken gum tissue.
Subepithelial connective tissue graft
A layer of tissue is removed from the outer part of the palate and implanted into the site of gum recession. This is applicable if you have exposed tooth roots.
Acellular dermal matrix allograft
This process uses medically processed, donated human tissue as a source of gum graft. This is less painful since it is not extracted from your oral cavity.
Pedicle graft
The graft is obtained by detaching the gum tissue above or below the tooth and then pulling it over the exposed tooth root.
Summary
Surgeries are always daunting. But most often, dental surgeries offer several benefits that outweigh the risks. Gum grafting is a successful dental surgery that restores your gum health, protects your teeth, and improves the appearance of your smile. A healthy smile is crucial to boost your confidence in an image-conscious world.
