Gum Grafting Due To Gum Recession

Gum recession is when the margin of your gum begins to move away from the crown or upper portion of your tooth. This makes your teeth appear longer and exposes the roots of your teeth. While this affects people of any age, certain habits or risk factors come into play. Gum or gingival grafting is a dental procedure that corrects receding gums.

What Causes Receding Gums

Receding gums are caused by many factors, and you could have one or more factors involved.

Genetics – Some people are genetically prone to recession, which naturally results in thinner tissues with less attachment.

Smoking – This is one of the biggest risk factors for periodontal disease, a condition that causes loss of bone and gum tissue that surrounds the teeth.

Gum disease/periodontal disease – This condition results in receding bone and gums. Good oral hygiene habits and regular professional cleanings reduce your risk of this condition. If you have a lot of tartar and plaque on your teeth, your gums will become inflamed, and break down of the bone and gum tissues will occur. The first step, in this case, is to have a professional dental cleaning to stop further damage.

Aggressive tooth brushing – This is harmful to your teeth and gums. A dental professional can show you how to properly care for your mouth.

Orthodontics (braces) – Moving teeth involves the breakdown and building up of bone, and in some individuals, this can lead to gum recession.

Abnormal occlusal/biting forces – Clenching or grinding your teeth or having an unbalanced bite can cause heavy forces to be placed on some teeth and this can lead to the breakdown of bone and gum tissues.

Negative Effects Of Gum Recession

One of the biggest problems related to gum recession is hypersensitive teeth. Having cold foods or drinks can be quite painful for those with gum recession and sensitivity.

Normally your gums are attached to the bone that supports your teeth. This helps to keep your teeth stable and healthy. If you have gum recession that is advanced, you may lose this attachment, and that puts you at higher risk of tooth loss.
The roots of your teeth are softer and more prone to cavities. If you have gum recession and root exposure, you may be at a higher risk of decay.

Gum recession also affects the aesthetics of your mouth. Tooth roots are naturally darker, and when they are exposed, you may feel self-conscious about your smile.

Gum Grafting

Gum grafting as a treatment for gum recession can improve the health and appearance of your mouth. This procedure is done by collecting tissue from the roof of your mouth and surgically attaching it to the area(s) affected by gum recession. This replaces the tissues that were lost, reducing the appearance of the recession and restoring the relationship between your gums and teeth.
There are two types of grafting, free gingival graft, in which tissue is taken from the surface and the connective tissue graft where deeper tissues are used. We will determine the type that would be most appropriate for you.

After the procedure, you will be given post-care instructions. Following these closely will ensure the best result. These instructions will include avoiding smoking, eating softer foods and taking any medications as instructed. You may have a surgical dressing applied to protect the area while it is healing.

If you have gum recession and you are considering gum grafting or would like more information, please contact us today.