Juno Beach Office:
Gum Grafting to Restore Receding Gums
Gum recession occurs when the tissue surrounding the teeth pulls away or wears down, exposing more of the tooth or even the tooth root. While factors like aggressive brushing, periodontal disease, or the natural aging process can contribute to this, our team at Modern Dental Smiles is here to identify the root cause and develop a personalized restoration plan.
Gum grafting is a highly effective procedure designed to cover exposed roots. This not only protects against decay and reduces painful sensitivity but also enhances the symmetry and beauty of your smile. By promoting better periodontal health, gum grafting allows you to eat, speak, and smile with renewed confidence.
Understanding Gum Recession
When gums recede, "pockets" form between the teeth and the gumline, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up. If left untreated, this process can damage the supporting bone structure, causing teeth to appear "long" or eventually become loose.
Signs You May Need a Gum Graft
Because recession often progresses slowly, it can be easy to miss. You should schedule a consultation if you notice:
- Increased Sensitivity: Sharp pain when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Visible Roots: The teeth appear longer than they used to.
- Changes in Gaps: Widening spaces between teeth near the gumline.
- A Notched Feeling: A distinct "step" or notch near the gumline on the tooth surface.
Advanced Gum Grafting Techniques
During your procedure, your comfort is our primary focus. We utilize local anesthesia and offer optional sedation to ensure a relaxed experience. Based on your specific needs, we utilize one of the following specialized techniques:
- Connective Tissue Grafts: This is the most common method. A small flap is created on the roof of your mouth to harvest tissue from beneath it, which is then secured over the exposed root.
- Free Gingival Grafts: Ideal for patients with naturally thin gum tissue. A small amount of tissue is taken directly from the roof of the mouth and attached to the area needing reinforcement.
- Pedicle Grafts: This technique utilizes the healthy gum tissue already adjacent to the recession. A small flap of this tissue is partially detached and rotated over to cover the exposed root, maintaining its own blood supply for fast healing.
Dr. Bally will carefully evaluate your oral health to determine which grafting method will provide the most durable and aesthetic result. Our goal is to protect your teeth from future loss while restoring the natural, healthy appearance of your smile.