Gum grafts
In the event of whittled down or deteriorated gum tissue, our gum grafts provide additional supporting gum tissue in areas where it may be lacking, in order to prevent further recession.
Gum grafts are a great way to restore your smile, strengthen your gum line, and reduce sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
Think you might need gum graft therapy? Let us know by quickly filling out the form below!
Different types of gum grafts
When it comes to restoring your gum line, there are a few different options:
AlloDerm® RTM
A tried, tested and true method since 1994, AlloDerm® RTM (Regenerative Tissue Matrix) allows us to restore the strength of your gum line without needing to use tissue from other areas of the mouth. This process relies on sterilized, donated tissue that is ready to be converted into a neutral material for the process.
Harvested tissue therapy
This process uses borrowed tissue from the roof of your mouth, which is then grafted to the affected area. This process has proven to be highly successful and efficient.
What are the benefits of gum grafts?
Not only do gum grafts help restore your smile, they also help reduce sensitivity to different temperatures and significantly strengthen your gum line.
Frequently asked questions
(FAQ) about gum grafts
Below, you will find some common questions we get asked when it comes to gum grafts.
How soon after my gum graft can I return to work?
Typically, gum graft therapy can cause very mild tenderness for a couple of days, but will not debilitate you. Many patients return to work within 24 hours of their gum graft.
How soon after can I start brushing my teeth?
It may be odd to hear a dentist recommend not brushing, but here it is! We advise you to avoid brushing the affected area for 1 to 2 weeks after your procedure. After this, you can start to brush the affected area gently until you are back to full strength.
What can I do to heal as fast as possible?
It is important to protect the grafted site so the tissue can heal with the existing gumline as smooth and cleanly as possible. It is best to avoid brushing the affected area for a week or two and you may be prescribed an oral rinse to aid healing.
What happens if you neglect the health of your gums?
Receding gums slowly expose the root of a tooth, which leads to increased sensitivity to both hot and cold temperatures. Additionally, if a gum line has significantly receded, there is an increased risk of bacteria build-up at the base of the tooth, which can lead to further complications.
Can I eat soon after my gum graft procedure? How long do I have to wait?
Eating softer foods will help alleviate your gums from added stress. We recommend eating soft foods within the first few days of your gum graft procedure, and to avoid chewing your food on the side where we’ve restored your gum tissue.
What causes receding gums?
Here are some main causes of gum line recession:
- Poor or neglected dental care: Of course, a healthy smile needs to be maintained. If regular flossing and brushing are ignored, then it gives way for plaque to form on the teeth. The build-up of bacteria can then lead to infections which are detrimental to the gums.
- Aggressive brushing: On the flip side of that coin, aggressive brushing or applying too much force to the tooth brush can wear down the gums.
- Grinding of the teeth: The force caused by teeth grinding can be too much for the gums to handle. Over time, excessive teeth grinding will cause gum line recession.
Smoking. Among a list of other health implications caused by this habit, smoking can increase one’s risk of significant plaque build-up on their teeth, which hardens in time and leads to gum disease.
Let’s discuss your needs
We want to help make you smile! If you feel that an examination of your gums is necessary, don’t hesitate to reach out. Fill out the form below and we will contact you.
