Do I Need A Gum Graft Procedure?

                                                          

Grafting procedures can help to fix damaged gums, but a gum graft procedure is not for everyone. Here are 5 

reasons why you may want to consider having a gum graft procedure done by Dr. Denine Rice and her team. 

Keep in mind: our gums are a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to holding our teeth in place.

When you have periodontal disease, or tissue damage, your teeth may become loose. Gum grafting can help to keep your natural teeth. Tissue is removed from the roof of your mouth or regenerated in other ways. Once the tissue is removed, it is attached to the gum area that needs to be built up, this provides the protection your teeth need to stay in place.

If the roots of your teeth are showing, a gum graft procedure can reduce the amount of sensitivity you may be 

experiencing. When gums are damaged or thin, it can cause sensitivity when eating and drinking certain foods.

Are you struggling with gum recession? This can happen when food or bacteria turns into plaque and causes 

periodontal disease. As the periodontal disease is left untreated it can make your gums recede. You may also 

experience this problem if you do not floss regularly.

Uneven gums can be embarrasing. Potential employers say they judge a potential employee by their smile. If 

you are struggling to earn the promotion you deserve and are embarrased by your smile, Dr. Rice can help.

Gum grafting can rebuild your gums in order for you to have the beutiful smile you deserve. If for any reason 

your gums are discolored, uneven, or just do not look the way you want, an evaluation with Dr. Rice might be  the first step in giving you your self confidence back.

Gum grafting is more common then one would expect. For more information about Gum Grafting and how this cosmetic procedure can enhance your healthy smile contact Dr. Rice & her team today.

What Does Gum Grafting Surgery Entail?

Once Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice recommends that you have gum graft surgery she’ll have you schedule another appointment where you can come in and get the surgery completed. Gum grafting surgery may be recommended if your gums have receded to the point where the roots of your tooth are exposed or if your teeth are loose in your mouth. While this is not a cosmetic surgery, it may be recommended to enhance your original smile. This secondary benefit improves your smile by extending your gums back to where they should be.

There are three different types of gum graft surgeries and they depend on how much root you have that the periodontist can work with.   Connective tissue grafts use tissue from under the palette of the mouth. Once the flap has been cut and the correct amount of tissue has been removed, it will be placed in front of the area that needs tissue.  The tissue will then be stitched around the tooth in order to connect the tissue to the area in front of the tooth. Once the surgery is complete the dentist will reconnect the flap on the palate of the mouth to allow for healing. 

The second type of gum grafting surgery is called a Free Gingival graft. This procedure may be recommended if you need additional tissue to enlarge the gums. The tissue is taken from the palette of the mouth instead of underneath the palette. If you have thin gums, this procedure will allow the tissue around the gum to be built up.

The third kind of gum graft surgery is a pedicle graft. Dr. Denine Rice, one of Inland Empire’s top rated dentists, recommends this type of surgery to patients when patients have enough tissue by the tooth but it just needs to be pulled up to cover the tooth.  This surgery allows for tissue to be taken from around the tooth instead of taken from the palette. Once the tissue is placed in the correct spot it will be grafted on.  And the healing process will begin.

For more information contact Dr. Denine Rice & her team today.

Is Gum Grafting Something I need?

Have you recently visited your periodontist and they’ve recommended gum graft surgery? Don’t panic, it’s not as bad or as scary as it sounds. Gum grafting surgery is used to elongate the gums if you gum recession or your gums are pulling back and roots are exposed. Bone recession happens slowly over time and may not be noticed right away. Dr. Rice suggests, “Once your gums begin to recede, you may not have the beautiful smile you aim to have. You may also begin to feel your teeth become loose and more of each tooth exposed.”

If you choose not to have gum graft surgery, once your gums recede to a certain point, your teeth will no longer have a comfortable pocket to sit in. Without your gums and the bone beneath them the teeth may begin to loosen and will eventually fall out.  “Our gums are designed to fit our teeth like a snug pocket, holding them in place,” says Dr. Rice. Over time, and with periodontal disease, the damage to your gums may cause your teeth to be hanging on by a thread.

Gum graft surgery in a few short appointments can fix this problem quickly and efficiently. Surgery is designed to restore your smile to one that is beautiful, not only that, but it will also cut down on tooth sensitivity, because the roots of your teeth will no longer be exposed.