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gum grafting

Gum Grafting Procedure: What It Fixes and What to Expect

If cold drinks make you wince and your teeth look longer, you may need a gum grafting procedure. Gum recession exposes tooth roots, which can increase sensitivity and raise the risk of decay near the gumline. The good news is that grafting can protect the area and improve comfort.

Why Gums Recede

Recession can come from aggressive brushing, thin gum tissue, orthodontic movement, or gum disease. However, it often develops slowly, so many people miss it at first. Therefore, regular exams matter, especially if you notice new sensitivity or notches near the gumline.

How the Treatment Works

Your periodontist adds tissue where the gums have pulled back. This tissue may come from your palate or from a donor source, depending on your needs. Then the graft is secured so it can integrate and strengthen the gumline. Meanwhile, the goal isn’t just cosmetics. It’s protection, stability, and easier cleaning.

Recovery Tips That Actually Help

Expect mild soreness and swelling for a few days. So choose soft foods, avoid pulling on the lip to “check it,” and follow your cleaning instructions closely. In addition, keep your follow-up appointments, because small adjustments can make healing smoother. Also, switch to a soft-bristled brush and gentle technique to protect the result long-term.

When gums cover roots better, sensitivity often drops and brushing becomes more comfortable. As a result, patients frequently say they wish they’d done it sooner. If you want to stop recession from getting worse, ask Britten Perio if a gum grafting procedure is right for you.

Gum recession and root defect treatment by Clearwater, FL periodontist at Britten Periodontics
Gingival graft treatment by Clearwater, FL periodontist at Britten Periodontics

Gum Grafting Can Improve Your Oral Health – Here’s How!

Gum Grafting Can Improve Your Oral Health – Here’s How!

When recession of the gum tissue occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an excellent option.

When there is only minor recession, some healthy gum tissue often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when no firm gum tissue remains, this leaves the roots of the teeth and the underlying bone relatively unprotected, which could result in root sensitivity, bacterial penetration, decay and even loss of teeth.

A gingival graft is designed to address these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or gently moved over from adjacent areas to provide a stable band of attached gum tissue around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root, however, the main objective is to re­establish the protective barrier or layer of the gum around the tooth. Occasionally, the patient may need multiple procedures to achieve the ideal amount of root coverage.

Dr. Britten has trained in the latest minimally invasive techniques of gum grafting and can often perform the entire procedure through a pinhole incision.

Gingival grafting tissue grafting by Britten Periodontics with Dr. Todd Britten in Clearwater, FL

Gum Grafting: What You Should Know

Gum grafting is a common periodontal procedure.  This common procedure is performed with excellent results. Some of the major benefits associated with gum grafting include:

  • Reduced sensitivity – When a tooth root becomes exposed, eating or drinking hot or cold foods can cause extreme sensitivity to the teeth.  Gum grafting surgery can permanently cover the exposed root, help reduce discomfort, and restore the good health of the gums.
  • Improved appearance – Periodontal disease is characterized by gum recession and inflammation.  Gum recession and root exposure can make the teeth look longer than normal and the smile to appear “toothy.”  Gum grafting can make the teeth look shorter, more symmetrical and generally more pleasing to look at.  In addition, adjacent tissue can be enhanced and augmented during the procedure for aesthetic purposes.
  • Improved gum and tooth health – Periodontal disease can progress and destroy gum tissue very rapidly. Gum grafting can help halt tissue and bone loss; preventing further problems and protecting exposed roots from decay.

Dr. Britten has trained in the latest minimally invasive techniques of gum grafting and can often perform the entire procedure through a pinhole incision.

Smiling woman visiting Britten Periodontics in Clearwater, Florida

Why Should Gum Recession be Taken Seriously

Gum recession refers to the loss of gum tissue along the gumline. This can occur as a result of periodontal disease (gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontitis), the natural aging process, or abrasive habits when it comes to brushing the teeth.

Why should gum recession be taken seriously?

When gum recession occurs, the root structure of the tooth becomes exposed. This means that tooth decay and other problems can affect the teeth along the gumline and beneath it. Since healthy gums are essential for a healthy mouth, getting gum recession treated is important for lasting dental wellness. When recession occurs to the point that no firm gum tissue remains, this leaves the roots of the teeth and the underlying bone relatively unprotected, which could result in root sensitivity, bacterial penetration, decay and even loss of teeth.

A gingival graft is designed to address these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or gently moved over from adjacent areas to provide a stable band of attached gum tissue around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root, however, the main objective is to re­establish the protective barrier or layer of the gum around the tooth. Occasionally, the patient may need multiple procedures to achieve the ideal amount of root coverage.

Dr. Britten has trained in the latest minimally invasive techniques of gum grafting and can often perform the entire procedure through a pinhole incision.

Smiling woman visiting Britten Periodontics in Clearwater, Florida

Treating Gum Recession With Connective Tissue Grafting

Treating Gum Recession With Connective Tissue Grafting

When recession of the gum tissue occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an excellent option.

“Tissue grafting is recommended when you have gum recession that has left the root of a tooth exposed, or you are at risk of root exposure due to recession. It is a common procedure that is intended to recreate your gum line and prevent further deterioration of the gums, enhancing the appearance of your smile.

Gum recession can be caused by:

  • Aggressive toothbrushing
  • Gum disease
  • Gum tissue that is naturally thin
  • Previous orthodontic treatment
  • Previous tooth loss

What are benefits of soft tissue grafting?

  • Prevention or reduction of sensitivity by covering exposed root
  • Protection from future cavities
  • Symmetry in your gum line, creating an improved smile
  • Creation of a suitable environment for implant placement

Why is thicker tissue better than thin?

Thick gum tissue is critical to maintaining a healthy gum line and mouth. It makes your gums more resistant to recession over time and is more comfortable to brush. Additionally, thick gum tissue is important for achieving aesthetic results.” -Zimmer Dental

Before (left) and after (right) following Connective Tissue Grafting by Dr. Todd Britten of a Patient’s Lower Left Molars
Oral hygiene instructions by Dr. Todd Britten, Clearwater periodontist

Oral Care Recommendations During Orthodontic Treatment

We work with excellent local orthodontists to help keep our patients’ gum health in great shape during orthodontic treatment. From patients who may need tissue grafting to patients with more complex oral health issues such as periodontal disease or dental implants, we work closely with our local specialists to keep our patients’ gums healthy at any age!
 
Tips for maintaining oral health during ortho treatment
 
1. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes. The right tool and technique make all the difference.
 
2. Clean aligners, removable or fixed appliances carefully with your Sonicare.
3. The spaces in between your teeth are home to harmful bacteria, so clean them thoroughly for healthy gums.
 
4. Break up tongue coating before using a therapeutic mouthwash that reduces bacteria responsible for gum disease and bad breath.
 
5. Replace your brush head every three months for optimal results.
Educational graphic on periodontal disease treatment by Britten Periodontics in Clearwater, Florida

Periodontal Disease May Be More Serious Than You Realize

A silent disease.

With periodontal disease, you may not feel any discomfort. You may not notice any symptoms. But treating periodontal disease quickly is of the utmost importance.
 
With proper diagnosis and professional instruction from a dentist, you can protect your pearly whites for years to come.
 
Do you think you’re suffering from periodontal disease? Or has it been years since your last checkup?
Then please schedule an appointment with your dentist or periodontist ASAP! #brittenperio #clearwaterperiodontist
Before and after side profile images showing bone loss and jaw changes, demonstrating how bone augmentation grafting at Britten Periodontics in Clearwater, Florida can help prevent jaw bone shrinkage and restore facial structure.

How Bone Augmentation Grafting can help save your jaw bone from shrinking!

This video shows the loss of the upper jawbone following tooth extraction. The jaw bone can be preserved with bone augmentation grafting for better denture retention or future implant placement, as well as to maintain the proper shape of a patient’s face.

The signs of bone loss are: Periodic changes in the way your denture fits; Sore spots on gum tissues; Food becoming trapped between the gums and denture; and, Difficulty chewing even with the help of denture adhesives and pastes.

There is a procedure we perform in our practice to help save your jawbone!

A common use of bone grafting is for ridge augmentation. Ridge augmentation can recapture the natural contour of your gums and jaw after the loss of a tooth as a result of trauma, congenital anomalies, infection, or periodontal disease. Achieving an ideal amount of gum and bone as a support to surrounding restorations or implants may require hard and soft tissue reconstruction. After the loss of one or more teeth, your gums and jawbone may become indented where the tooth or teeth used to be. This occurs because the jawbone recedes when it no longer is holding a tooth in place. Not only is this indentation unnatural looking, it also causes the replacement tooth to look too long compared to the adjacent teeth, and this can create an area that is difficult to keep clean.

Ridge augmentation uses bone and tissue-grafting procedures to fill in the indented area of the jaw and gums, leaving you with a smooth gum line that coexists with your restoration or dental implant.

If you have any questions about the surgical procedures performed in our office, visit https://brittenperio.com/procedures/surgical-procedures/

Gum grafting procedures in Clearwater, Florida at Britten Periodontics.

How tissue grating can protect and save your teeth

When recession of the gum tissue occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an excellent option.
When there is only minor recession, some healthy gum tissue often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when no firm gum tissue remains, this leaves the roots of the teeth and the underlying bone relatively unprotected, which could result in root sensitivity, bacterial penetration, decay and even loss of teeth.

A gingival graft is designed to address these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or gently moved over from adjacent areas to provide a stable band of attached gum tissue around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root, however, the main objective is to re­establish the protective barrier or layer of the gum around the tooth. Occasionally, the patient may need multiple procedures to achieve the ideal amount of root coverage.
Dr. Britten has trained in the latest minimally invasive techniques of gum grafting and can often perform the entire procedure through a pinhole incision.

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