I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
If you have receding gums, your dentist might recommend having a gum graft done. This surgery grafts donor gum tissue to the areas where your gums have receded. Here's an overview of when this procedure may be needed and how it's done.
Why Your Gums Recede
Your gums might recede due to aggressive brushing or age. However, a common reason for gums to recede is gum disease. You might only need a graft on one tooth area or more than one.
When Gum Graft Surgery Might Be Done
When new gum tissue is added to the areas that need it, your gums can be made longer or thicker so the roots of your teeth are covered better. This can prevent pain and slow the progression of tooth damage due to gum disease.
A gum graft is a common treatment for gum disease, but sometimes it is used in cosmetic dentistry to reshape your gums to give you a more attractive smile. Adding more gum tissue can also make the appearance of your teeth change by making teeth that are too long look shorter.
How Gum Graft Surgery Is Done
You can have this surgery done in your dentist's office with local anesthesia. If you're nervous about the procedure, the dentist might also provide sedation so you're relaxed. The dentist has options for doing this surgery. With one type of surgery, the dentist starts by making an incision that creates a flap by a nearby tooth that has a healthy gum area. The flap is then stitched over the gum that has receded.
Another option is to use donor gum tissue or tissue taken from the roof of your mouth and stitch it over the areas where your gums have receded. The dentist might use stitches that dissolve in this type of surgery or you might need to go back to the dentist in several days to have the stitches removed.
What Recovery Is Like
It might take a couple of weeks to heal from a gum graft. You'll probably leave the dentist's office with a dressing or gauze over the surgical area. Your dentist also makes sure you have complete instructions for recovering at home. Some of these instructions might include avoiding strenuous activities right after your surgery since you may have swelling, bleeding, and discomfort then.
You'll be instructed on the medications you need to take and how often to take them. You'll be allowed to brush your other teeth as you normally do, but you'll probably need to avoid brushing near the grafts for several days. You'll have to eat a soft diet for several days too. When you have a follow-up visit with your dentist, they'll let you know if you can add more foods to your diet and start brushing the gum area again.
Share12 January 2023
