Are you looking for Gum Grafting in San Jose, CA? Dr Rana Baroudi provides high quality dental care for her patients in San Jose, CA
Also known as gingival grafts or periodontal plastic surgeries, gum grafting procedures refer to surgical periodontal procedures that are intended to cover an exposed tooth root surface with grafted oral tissue.
There are a few causes for gingival recession and exposed tooth roots. Often, periodontal disease is the culprit. There are other causes, though, like trauma, aggressive brushing, and more.
The reason for the gum grafting procedure and other considerations will factor into the type of gum grafting that will be recommended to address the issue.
Some of the most common types of gum grafting include:
Gum grafting is actually a pretty common procedure and is very safe. There are some great benefits associated with gum grafting. These include:
The first step to gum grafting is a visit to the dentist to determine if gum grafting surgery is the best option to resolve the issue the patient is suffering from. Before gum grafting, there are a few procedures the dentist will perform. It’s important for the teeth to be thoroughly cleaned supra and sub-gingivally to remove bacteria and tartar.
Before the gum grafting begins, the dentist will likely provide local anesthetic. The exact procedure will depend on whether the tissue is coming from a tissue bank or the palate of the patient.
Small incisions are made at the recipient site to create a small pocket that accommodates the graft. A split-thickness incision is then made, and the connective tissue graft is placed in the space between the two sections of tissue. The graft is generally slightly larger than the recession area. As this is the case, some excess will be apparent.
Sutures are often placed to help stabilize the graft and prevent shifting from the designated site. Surgical material is used to protect the surgical area during the initial week of healing. The full healing of the gums should occur within six weeks.
Gum recession may occur for a variety of different reasons. Some of the most common causes of gum recession include:
While some causes of gum recession can’t be avoided (like trauma to the area), most can. By taking the right measures to ensure your gum health, you can avoid a gum grafting procedure entirely.
If you are a smoker, you should stop smoking. While gum recession can occur as a result of smoking, it isn’t the only way smoking can damage your oral health and general health. Quit smoking immediately.
If you are using hard bristles and/or brushing too hard, you’ll want to consider a softer-bristle brush and better brushing technique. Your dentist can show you how to safely brush your teeth, so you aren’t damaging your gums.
One of the main reasons for receding gums is gum disease. Gum disease can range from mild to extremely problematic. Once gum disease progresses enough, it becomes periodontitis. This disease can only be treated and not cured.
To prevent gum disease, there are a few simple things you can do:
If you have noticed your gums are receding or your teeth seem longer than they used to be, reach out to the office of Dr. Rana Baroudi. She will take a look at your teeth and gums and determine the reason for the recession. If needed, Dr. Baroudi will perform gum grafting.
We look forward to speaking with you and helping you with your gum recession.
