Gum Graft
Spokane Valley, WA
 Your gums are as important a part of your dental structure as are your teeth, maybe even more so as they protect your teeth. Just as discolored, crooked, chipped, and decaying teeth can ruin your dental health and aesthetic appeal, unhealthy gums too can ruin the appearance of your smile.
At Serenity Dental, we can help you protect your gums and your teeth. Our team of specialized dental healthcare providers offers a multitude of dental and gum treatments, including gum grafting, which can be critical to maintaining one’s overall oral health.
What is Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting is classified as a dental surgery that helps protect your teeth’s health and look. It may sound scary but is, in fact, a simple surgical procedure in which your periodontist sources healthy gum tissue from your mouth to replace the unhealthy gums.
A gum graft may be necessary when your gums start to recede, exposing your teeth’s root. It is a very common problem that often comes with age. However, the problem becomes serious if left untreated for long as the exposed root is susceptible to bacteria increase the chances of you developing an infection that can damage the tooth, the jaw bone, and the surrounding structure.
A gum graft is a simple and efficient solution that can restore your dental structure by covering up the exposed roots.
Types of Gum Grafts
Gum graft procedures vary by the method employed to obtain gum tissue. There are three main types of gum grafting procedures, and your dentist will choose the one that suits your requirements.
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Connective Tissue Graft: This is the most common type of gum grafting procedure. Here, the dentist cuts open a flap on the mouth’s roof and extracts connective gum tissue or the epithelial layer. The dentist stitches the tissue around the exposed root to cover it up and stitches the flap shut after the procedure is done.
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Free Gingival Graft- If you are getting a gum draft to enlarge the tissue, the periodontist will follow the free gingival graft process. Here they will source gum tissue from the roof of the mouth. The only difference is that instead of cutting a flap, they source the tissue from the top layer.
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Pedicle Grafts – People who need gum grafts to cover an exposed root and have a substantial amount of healthy gum tissue around the affected area can get a pedicle graft. Here, the dentist will partially cut upon a flap from the surrounding gum to cover the exposed root, leaving the other end attached. The flap is stitched close to finish the grafting procedure. Think of it as drawing the curtains over the exposed root. |
Your dentist may recommend you take tissue-stimulating proteins, or they may decide to use tissue bank and graft material to complete the procedure depending on the overall health of your gums and mouth. Alternate treatments include tooth removal, especially if gum recession is severe. We also offer other cosmetic services that truly benefit our patients.
At Serenity Dental, we follow a patient-centered treatment approach, ensuring optimal dental and oral healthcare services. If you think you are at risk of losing your teeth because of gum recession, visit our clinic for a consultation. You can also visit your website for further details. |
