When Should You Get Gum Grafts?

Gum graft is not a popular term that's used casually like dental cleaning or gum disease, so you may not be familiar with it once your cosmetic dentist recommends it. When would your dentist choose to use gum graft to improve your dental health? This post will outline what this procedure entails to keep you informed before you visit the dentist.

When do you require this procedure?

A gum graft is a procedure that's performed when your gums recede from the teeth. When this occurs, your tooth's root will be seen since the gum isn't covering it. Usually, the recession stops once you undergo the surgery, and it can also prevent tooth and bone loss. Gum graft also prevents decay.

In other words, this surgery offers numerous benefits that include solving the tooth sensitivity problem, protection the mouth's oral health, and ensuring you eat comfortably. It's also possible to have the surgery for cosmetic reasons since it helps people become more confident about their smile. The recession of gums usually starts due to gum disease. It can also be caused by brushing teeth roughly, smoking, hormones, among other reasons.

If your dentist has suggested gum grafts, you can be sure they want to cover up the recession your gum is experiencing. The surgery involves taking some tissues from the palate and using them to cover the tooth's root. Your dentist may perform the procedure on one or more teeth – the condition of the mouth determines this and what the expert feels is best for the feel and look of your gums.

Types of gum grafts

There are three forms of gum grafts a dentist can choose from. Often, he or she uses connective-tissue grafts, which involves taking tissue from the mouth (underneath the top part of your mouth), for the surgery. The other types are pedicle grafts and free gingival grafts. Free gingival graft uses tissues from your palate skin, instead of underneath the skin, while pedicle grafts use the tissue that's around the tooth – provided there is enough tissue.

Other than using your own tissue, the cosmetic dentist may also choose to rely on the tissue bank or proteins to encourage the mouth to grow the lost tissue on its own. The dentist will discuss the most suitable gum graft option depending on your situation.

Consider talking with your family dentist about the advantages and disadvantages of the different forms of gum grafts, as well as what you should expect during and after the surgery. 

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