Gum grafting: what you need to know

Receding gums, or receding teeth, occur when gum tissue gradually wears away. This leads to exposure of the tooth's root, increasing sensitivity, especially to hot and cold foods. Without treatment, receding gums can lead to tooth loss. Your dentist will then recommend a gum graft to protect your teeth and improve the appearance of your smile.

Keep reading to learn more about gum grafting for gum recession and to find out if you are a suitable candidate.

What causes gum recession?

Gum recession happens over time. There are several reasons why your teeth are loosening:

• Gingivitis, or periodontitis, is a gum infection that damages the soft tissues of your mouth.
• Your genes – you may be predisposed to gingivitis based on heredity.
• Aggressive toothbrushing – brushing your teeth too hard causes damage to the gums, which leads to receding gums.
• Improper dental care – not taking care of your teeth by brushing and flossing leads to plaque buildup, which turns into tartar. Tartar leads to gum recession.
• Tobacco products – people who smoke or use tobacco products have more plaque on their teeth, which leads to loosening.

Mild gum recession can be treated with a deep cleaning, also known as tooth scaling and root planing, to remove tartar and plaque buildup. If gum recession cannot be treated with a thorough cleaning, a gum graft could repair the damage.

What is a gum graft?

A gum graft is one dental procedure that can make your smile look better and protect your teeth. It is performed in your dentist's office by a periodontist. The tissue is attached to the gum line on the teeth to cover the tooth's root. The tissue can come from the palate, the soft tissues of your mouth, or a tissue bank. Different gum grafting procedures depend on the amount of damage and where in your

mouth.

When to resort to a gum graft?

Gum graft for dental implants is usually recommended when your gums have receded to expose the tooth roots. When the gum recedes, it leaves a space between the tooth and the gum. This space becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, putting you at risk for infection, cavities and advanced gingivitis. Also known as periodontitis, advanced gingivitis can lead to bone and tissue loss and, ultimately, tooth loss.

Dentists will recommend a gum graft when an individual's gum tissue has thinned and no longer protects the root of your teeth. Gum grafting helps you have healthier gums and teeth, giving you a more confident smile.

How many different kinds of gum grafts are there?

Your dentist may offer you one of three different options for a gum graft:

• Connective tissue graft (CTG) – the most common type of gum graft. During the GTC procedure, a piece of connective tissue is taken from under the skin of your palate and stitched to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root.
• Free Gingival Graft (GGL) – similar to GTC, the GGL technique uses tissue taken directly from the surface of the palate to cover thin or weak gums.
• Allogeneic or xenogeneic tissue graft – in this type of gum graft, the soft tissue is taken from the tissue bank instead of taking tissue from your palate.

What to expect during a gum graft?

Gum grafting is an in-office procedure. Before the procedure, your dentist will discuss the anesthesia used to minimize your discomfort. Ask your doctor about relaxing medications if you feel anxious or nervous about dental work. Then, your dentist will explain the procedure to treat your loosening teeth.

During gum grafting

Gum graft surgery will likely take 45 minutes or more, depending on the type of surgery performed. The surgery will be painless, but you may feel some pressure.

The dentist will put a dressing over the grafted site to protect it and help it heal. Once the dentist has completed the gum graft, you can go home. Due to the sedation or relaxing medications used in the procedure, you must have someone drive you home.

Recovery after a gum graft

Once the anesthesia wears off, you may feel some discomfort. Your dentist will give you painkillers to help you deal with the pain. You may also be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection at the site. Some people compare the pain caused by a gum graft to a pizza burn on the palate. Fortunately, most people recover quickly from this procedure.

You can use gauze on the side of the surgery site if you have bleeding at home. You may want to avoid physical activity for 24 hours after surgery, but most people can return to work or normal activities the next day.

After surgery, you must avoid hot or cold foods and drinks for a few days. After that, it is advisable to stick to soft foods for a week. Mashed potatoes, soups, puddings, pasta, eggs, and ice cream are all good foods that won't irritate your gums.

It may also be advisable to avoid brushing or flossing until the area has healed. Your dentist can give you a special oral rinse to control plaque while your mouth heals.

Keep your gums healthy for life

Because they surround your teeth, your gums protect their roots from exposure to various bacteria and hold them in place. So, when you brush your teeth, your gums shouldn't bleed.

Healthy gums are pink and firm. Unhealthy gums recede or shrink, exposing the roots of your teeth, which makes your teeth more vulnerable to decay. Gingiva from loose teeth will not grow back, but with a gum graft performed by a qualified periodontist, you can prevent future regression.

Once the gum graft has healed, you must practice good oral hygiene to keep your new gums healthy. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily. Get regular dental checkups. Eat healthy, avoiding sugary drinks and foods that cause tooth decay. Your healthy gums are indicative of your overall oral health. Preserve your smile with healthy gums and teeth.

If you need a gum graft, contact our team today to schedule an appointment. Our experienced dentist in Arlington VA will examine your teeth and suggest the procedure to help you regain a healthy mouth and smile.