When most of us think about our smiles, our pearly whites are the first thing to come to mind. After all, our teeth allow us to bite and chew, speak and laugh, and go through life with a happy demeanor. That said, did you know your gums play an equally important role when it comes to maintaining your dental health?
Unfortunately, unhealthy gums can lead to a long list of dental issues, especially if the issue is unchecked gum disease that has destroyed existing gum tissue. In these cases, a gum tissue graft might be recommended following the treatment of the infection. Here’s a closer look at this procedure.
Why Are Gum Tissue Grafts Necessary?
Gum grafts are necessary because of an issue called gum recession, which is a common dental problem affecting around 4% to 12% of all adults. This is the process in which the tissue that surrounds the teeth begins to pull away from a tooth, exposing more of the tooth’s root. This can cause significant damage to the supporting bone, causing a chain reaction that further degrades gum tissue and can even end in tooth loss.
To repair the damage and prevent further dental problems, a gum tissue graft might be needed. This surgery involves taking tissue from another part of your mouth and securing it to your gums to add stability to the vulnerable area and encourage healing.
What Types of Gum Tissue Grafts Are There?
Since every patient has unique dental needs, the gum grafting process can vary. However, there are generally three main types of this procedure:
- Connective Tissue Graft – This common type of gum graft involves the oral surgeon removing tissue from under a flap in the palate of your mouth, and moving it to the problematic area of your gums before bonding it into place. It’s common for patients suffering from root exposure following gum disease.
- Free Gingival Graft – This is similar to a connective tissue graft; while the former is often reserved for patients with major tissue damage, this option offers more precise gum enhancement treatment and is ideal for patients with thinning or receding gums.
- Pedicle Graft – This involves the surgeon utilizing the patient’s existing gum tissue from near the problem area. They’ll create a flap as they would with other types of grafts, but this time, the healthy tissue is moved and reattached to a separate section of the gums that requires more support – and it doesn’t disrupt blood flow within the mouth.
Following a gum tissue graft, regardless of the type, it’s crucial to follow your provider’s instructions closely to ensure that your healing period is smooth and stress-free. This includes adjusting your hygiene and lifestyle, sticking to a specific diet, and avoiding any habits that might impede your body’s healing.
About the Practice
Under the talented leadership of Dr. Lance Anderson, the team at Lovell Dental has proudly served the needs of patients in the area for several years, offering a vast range of services under one roof, including specialty treatments like gum tissue grafting. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the practice to schedule an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (307) 548-7654.