How Gum Grafting Can Restore Your Smile and Protect Your Teeth

How Gum Grafting Can Restore Your Smile and Protect Your Teeth

27-09-2024

Receding gums are a common dental issue that can affect both the health and appearance of your smile. At The Dental & Cosmetic Clinic in Leicester, we offer gum grafting as an effective solution to restore lost gum tissue, protect your teeth, and enhance your smile.

In this blog, we will explain what a soft tissue graft is, why it may be necessary, and how the procedure works to improve oral health.

What Is a Gum Graft?

A gum graft, also known as soft tissue graft, is a surgical procedure that involves taking healthy tissue from one area of the mouth and placing it over areas of gum recession or thinning. There are two main types of soft tissue grafts used to treat receding gums:

• Connective Tissue Grafts
• Epithelial Grafts

Connective tissue grafts are typically more effective for patients with significant gum recession or root exposure, whereas epithelial grafts are more often used for patients with naturally thin gums or to prevent further gum recession. However, your dentist can advise you on the best type of graft for you.

Why Do Gums Recede?

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue around the teeth pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or even its root. This can happen gradually over time and is often caused by:

• Periodontal (Gum) Disease: One of the leading causes of gum recession, gum disease damages the gum tissue and the bone supporting the teeth, leading to receding gums.
• Aggressive Brushing: Brushing your teeth too hard can wear down the gums over time, causing them to recede.
• Genetics: Some people are more prone to gum recession due to their genetic makeup.
• Tobacco Use: Smoking or using other forms of tobacco can cause gum recession by restricting blood flow to the gums.
• Misaligned Teeth: Teeth that are not in proper alignment can cause uneven pressure on the gums, leading to recession.

If left untreated, gum recession can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, a higher risk of tooth decay, and even tooth loss. A soft tissue graft can effectively address this issue and restore both function and appearance to the gums.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Grafting

A soft tissue graft offers numerous benefits for patients experiencing gum recession. Some of the key advantages include:

1. Protects Exposed Tooth Roots

When the gums recede, the tooth roots become exposed, leading to sensitivity and a higher risk of decay. By covering the exposed roots with a soft tissue graft, you can protect your teeth from further damage and reduce sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet foods.

2. Prevents Further Gum Recession

Gum recession tends to progress over time if left untreated. A soft tissue graft not only restores lost gum tissue but also strengthens the gum line, preventing further recession and stabilising the teeth.

3. Enhances Aesthetics

Receding gums can make your teeth look longer and uneven, affecting the appearance of your smile. A gum graft improves the overall look of your smile by creating a more uniform gumline and covering exposed roots.

4. Promotes Long-Term Oral Health

Healthy gums are essential for maintaining strong teeth and bones. Soft tissue grafting helps restore and maintain the health of your gums, supporting long-term oral health and reducing the risk of tooth loss.

5. Improves Implant success

Gum grafting can also play a crucial role in the long-term success of dental implants. In cases where the gum tissue around an implant is thin or receding, a gum graft can help thicken and strengthen the tissue. This added stability not only improves the aesthetic appearance of the implant but also helps protect the underlying bone from potential damage caused by gum recession. Grafting is usually done at the time of implant placement, but is also occasionally carried out at a later stage to manage a problem or recession defect.

What to Expect During a Soft Tissue Graft Procedure

At The Dental & Cosmetic Clinic in Leicester, we take great care to ensure that your soft tissue graft procedure is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect during the process:

1. Consultation

The first step is a consultation with one of our experienced dentists. We will assess the condition of your gums and determine if a soft tissue graft is the best treatment for you. We will also discuss your medical history, oral hygiene habits, and any concerns you may have.

2. Anaesthesia

Before the procedure begins, we will numb the area using local anaesthesia to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the surgery. If you experience dental anxiety, we also offer sedation options to help you feel more relaxed.

3. Tissue Collection

Tissue is taken directly from the roof of the mouth although donor tissue may be used instead of tissue from your mouth in some cases.

4. Placement of Graft

The grafted tissue is carefully placed over the receding area of the gums and secured with stitches. This tissue will integrate with the existing gums over time, forming a stronger and healthier gum line.

5. Recovery

After the procedure, you may experience some minor discomfort or swelling, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and following our aftercare instructions. Most patients recover within 1 to 2 weeks, during which time it’s important to follow a soft food diet and avoid brushing the grafted area until it heals.

Aftercare

Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure the success of your soft tissue graft. At The Dental & Cosmetic Clinic, we provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you recover smoothly. Here are some aftercare tips:

• Avoid Chewing on the Grafted Area: Stick to soft foods for the first week or two after the procedure to avoid putting pressure on the grafted area.
• Keep Your Mouth Clean: Gently rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash to keep the area clean and prevent infection.
• Avoid Brushing the Grafted Area: While it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid brushing the grafted area until your dentist gives you the go-ahead.
• Follow Up with Your Dentist: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure the graft is healing properly.

Conclusion

Soft tissue grafting is an effective and proven solution for treating gum recession and restoring a healthy gum line. At The Dental & Cosmetic Clinic, we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve healthier gums, reduce tooth sensitivity, and enhance their smiles through expert gum grafting procedures.

If you’re concerned about receding gums or would like to learn more about soft tissue grafting, contact us today to schedule a consultation.