Receding gums happen when the gum area reduces and pulls back to reveal more tooth and possibly the root. Life habits such as grinding, clenching, over-brushing, smoking, a misaligned bite or dry mouth. When the root is exposed, it can be painful and look unpleasant. It can cause teeth to be sensitive, damage bone area or even cause you to lose teeth. Gum grafts are done to help increase gum tissue in the area to protect teeth and roots from bone loss,improve the health of your mouth and improve the appearance of your smile.
Usually, a small piece of gum tissue is removed from the roof of your mouth and placed in the receding area, under the gum line and to cover the root or tooth where required. It is secured with stitches and heals quickly, "grafting" to the surrounding gum, usually in 1-2 weeks.
If patients have thinner gums, soft tissue can be sewn next to the area of recession, instead of underneath. Often patients have enough available gum tissue, so it can be instead pulled down to cover the exposed area, making skin removal from the roof of the mouth unnecessary.
It should completely heal usually wihtin one to two weeks. Your periodontist will advise you what habits to avoid, what you should eat or drink as well as medications for pain or swelling or mouth rinse to control plaque. It may be advised that you avoid brushing or flossing that area of your gum line as it heals.
Proper brushing and flossing and regularly scheduled check-ups can help to ensure your gums stay intact. The proper brushing and flossing techniques are important, and you can always ask one of our Patient Care Specialists or the dentist to show you how. Receding gums can also be prevented by:
These suggestions can help prevent receding gum lines. If you have receding gums and think you may need grafting done, come visit us for a free consultation.
Contact us and speak with a Patient Care Specialist to learn more about gum grafting at Victoriapark Dental.