If you have receding gums, it’s easy to think that what’s gone is gone. It’s true that your gum line doesn’t grow back, however, there are treatment options available to improve the look and health of your gum line. In order to prevent further damage to both your teeth and gums, we may recommend soft tissue grafting. This reparative option can stop the progress of gum recession, and prevent severe tooth damage and even loss over time. It can be a great choice to keep your smile looking and feeling healthy for years to come.
What Causes Receding Gums?
There are many causes of receding gums, including:
- Gum disease
- Over-brushing
- Using a toothbrush with stiff bristles
- Hormonal changes
- Orthodontic treatment
- Poor oral hygiene
- Teeth grinding and clenching
As more of the tooth – and eventually the root – is exposed, you are at greater risk of developing deep pockets. Deep pockets are pockets of bacteria around the root of the tooth that can cause rapid decay and frequently lead to tooth loss.
What Is Soft Tissue Grafting?
Soft tissue grafting, also called gum grafting, is a surgery in which healthy gum tissue is used to cover exposed roots and rebuild a receding gum line. There are three main types:
- Connective-tissue graft
- Dr. Jodi Harrison will cut a small flap in the roof of your mouth and remove some of the connective tissue that lies under the surface layer of the palate. This will be grafted around the exposed root.
- Free gingival graft
- A great option for patients with thin gums, Dr. Harrison will use tissue from the roof of your mouth for the graft.
- Pedicle graft
- Rather than moving tissue, Dr. Harrison will gut some of the healthy tissue around the tooth and pull it down over the root.
What type of graft we recommend, and whether your procedure will use your own tissue or that of a donor, depends on your individual oral health.
How Does It Work?
Dr. Jodi Harrison will examine your mouth to evaluate your condition and decide on a treatment plan. Once Dr. Harrison has decided what kind of graft is best for you, your surgery can typically be completed in a single appointment. Local anesthetic is usually used, although for patients with advanced gum problems we may recommend sedation dentistry. Your downtime for this surgery should be minimal and we hope that your results improve your quality of life.
Schedule a Consultation
Curious whether this surgery is right for you? Schedule a consultation at Jodi Harrison Periodontics & Dental Implants in Asheville, NC to discuss treatment for your receding gums. Contact our office online or at (828) 202-1706 and schedule your appointment today.