Gum Grafting Receding gums caused by gum disease are more than just an eyesore that can cause your teeth to seem mismatched and uneven. They can also cause health complications by making it easier for bacteria to hide where even the most diligent brushing will never be able to reach them. Florida Smiles Dental offers gum grafting to improve both your gum health and aesthetics.What Is Gum Grafting?Gum grafting actually refers to a few different treatments. The difference between them has to do with where we take the soft tissue needed for the graft. The most common is what we call a connective-tissue graft, where the graft material comes from the tissues beneath the outer layer of the roof of your mouth. If we instead take the tissue directly from the outer layer it is called a free gingival graft. Some patients still have enough nearby soft tissue that all we have to do is pull it down, a process that is known as a pedicle graft. Can Gum Grafting Help You?It is no surprise that one of the first victims of gum disease is the gums themselves. As the bacteria attack the gums, they eat away at these soft tissues. This exposes the roots of teeth and causes the gums to recede. Teeth that are perfectly straight will look uneven, and bacteria can find nooks and crannies that only a professional cleaning can evict them from. Once bacteria are able to find these spots thanks to recessed gums, gum disease can be almost impossible to get rid of. Instead, it will continue to get worse and worse, until the bacteria ultimately start to attack the bones and enter the bloodstream, escaping into the rest of your body. With a graft of new soft tissue, we can eliminate these nooks and crannies. What Is Gum Grafting Like?The exact details of your procedure will depend on whether you are getting a connective-tissue graft, free gingival graft, or pedicle graft. In general, though, this procedure should not take too much more than about ninety minutes. Local anesthetic will keep you comfortable as we perform the graft and then suture it up. Gum Grafting AftercareAfter your gum graft you will get comprehensive instructions on the steps you need to take to ensure a healthy and successful graft. To prepare, here are some of the things you can expect. You will definitely want to make a run to the supermarket before your appointment so you can stock up on foods that will not aggravate your sensitive gums. Look for foods such as yogurt and cold soups, or even ice cream. Also consider a mouthwash with antimicrobial properties to keep your mouth nice and clean while the graft heals. Improve Your Gum Health and Aesthetics Today!Gum grafting is a fantastic two-in-one treatment. If you have recessed gums due to gum disease or another condition, then you owe it to yourself to call 754-354-0363 and find out how Florida Smiles Dental can help you with a gum graft. |
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