Gum Grafting: Restoring Your Gum Health and Smile

Gum recession is a common issue that can affect both the appearance and health of your smile. When the gums pull back from the teeth, it can expose the tooth root, leading to sensitivity, increased risk of decay, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Fortunately, gum grafting is a highly effective solution for restoring healthy gum tissue and protecting your smile.

Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that involves taking healthy gum tissue from another area of your mouth or using a donor tissue to cover the exposed tooth roots. This helps to restore the gumline, improve aesthetics, and protect the teeth from further damage.

There are several reasons why you may need a gum graft, including:

• Gum recession: When gums wear away or recede, exposing the tooth roots.
• Sensitive teeth: Exposed tooth roots can cause increased sensitivity to hot or cold.
• Cosmetic concerns: Gum recession can affect the appearance of your smile, especially if the recession is noticeable around the front teeth.
• Preventing future damage: If the exposed roots aren’t treated, it can lead to increased decay or tooth loss.

Gum grafting is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. There are a few different types of gum grafts that Dr. Cosimi may recommend, depending on your specific needs:

• Connective Tissue Graft: This is the most common type, where tissue is taken from beneath the surface of your palate and grafted onto the affected area.
• Free Gingival Graft: Tissue is taken directly from the roof of your mouth and placed onto the affected area.
• Pedicle Graft: If you have enough healthy gum tissue near the affected area, it can be moved over to cover the exposed root.

The procedure usually takes one to two hours, depending on the number of grafts needed. Recovery times vary but typically involve some swelling and discomfort for a few days to a week. Dr. Cosimi will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.

• Improved gum health: Gum grafting restores your gums to a healthier state, reducing the risk of further recession and infection.
• Protection for exposed tooth roots: It helps to cover sensitive areas, reducing tooth sensitivity and preventing further damage.
• Enhanced smile aesthetics: Gum grafting can improve the appearance of your smile by restoring a more natural gumline.
• Preventive care: By addressing gum recession early, gum grafting helps protect your overall oral health.