When is Gum Graft Necessary?
Early identification of gum problems is so important if you want to prevent serious complications. Periodontal disease will lead to loss of teeth and other health issues if neglected for long. Chronic bacterial infections can strike at any time, especially if you are not very careful with oral hygiene at home. Regular visits to the dentists will let you know how your gums are doing. Dentists can detect early signs of gum and tooth decay even if you wont be able to see it in your bathroom mirror. Their trained eye will know whether the plaque that regularly appears on your teeth requires a gum graft treatment or not. When there is something wrong with the gums they are treated through a procedure called gum graft.
Gums contain both soft and hard tissue and your dentist will investigate to find out exactly where the problem lies. If the gums have receded and in a bad shape then they will extract some tissues from another area in your mouth, preferably from the roof of your mouth and replace them. This process is called gum grafting.
There are two types of gum tissues in your mouth. Gum tissue is also called gingiva; gingiva mucosa is soft tissue while keratinized gingiva is hard tissue. When gum decay begins, it normally affects the soft tissue which will begin to recede. Hard tissue protects the root of your tissue and if your dentist is able to detect the decay before it is affected you will need only medication. It is very important that you take medicines or the bacteria will start attacking your teeth. Your teeth will not be able to withstand the pressure of eating and brushing if there is no gingiva in the mouth. The bones surrounding the teeth will decay and roots will be exposed. This condition is also called gingivitis and you will suffer through immense pain. Often this condition requires gum grafting.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
Dentists will assure you that a gum graft is a common procedure in preventing tooth decay and sensitivity. Gum grafts are also performed to improve your smile.
These are the symptoms that will require a gum graft
- Bad breath that all home remedies cannot eradicate
- Bleeding gums
- Swelling and reddishness in the gum area
- Longer appearing teeth
- Trouble while chewing, eating and brushing
- Receding gums or longer appearing teeth
When you have these problems you must definitely visit a dentist. He will go through your medical history in detail, ask about your lifestyle and examine your mouth and gums. He will produce a tiny equipment called probe to measure the thickness/depth of your gum pockets. It will not take much time and is usually painless. The extent of inflammation is checked. Depending upon your condition you will be referred to a periodontist for treatment. Often the dentist will try for simple medications like a microbial mouthwash, antibiotic gel, oral antibiotics, antiseptic chip and enzyme suppressants to solve your problem. He will watch awhile and if your condition doesn’t improve you will have to do gum graft.
When medication doesn’t solve your problem and you still have serious inflammation and other symptoms, you will have to go through the gum graft procedure. Your dentist will decide how much area of the mouth requires gum graft. In rare cases where extensive grafting is required, dentists will use a grafting material called Alloderm. When this material is used, he will not wait to do tissue harvesting. Otherwise he will have to do tissue harvesting in the palate to obtain the extra tissue.
Gum Graft Video
Here is an example of a before and after gum graft surgery pictures
Three Kinds of Gum Graft Surgery
Since a gum graft procedure usually takes place at a periodontist’s office, they will give you a local anesthetic will be given to numb the areas involved. You may also receive medicine to help you relax.
- Connective-tissue grafts: Most reliable method used to treat root exposure.
- Free gingival grafts: This method is commonly used when you have thin gums to begin with and need additional tissue to enlarge the gums.
- Pedicle grafts: This procedure is done when you have plenty of gum tissue near the tooth.
A detailed breakdown of the surgery are here:
Before deciding whether you need gum grafts, the dentist will first review your situation to know how far your condition has worsened. And even after gum grafts, the dentist will have to check how you are doing. As far as the cost for gum grafts are concerned, it will depend on the clinic you are doing it from and the extent of treatment required. Once the gum grafting is done, your dentist will inform you on the basics of looking after your teeth and how to maintain oral health.
Why are gum grafts necessary?
- Your teeth and gums will look aesthetically beautiful
- Sensitiveness is reduced since your teeth don’t look corroded anymore
- Gum recession is prevented
- Gum looks smoother
- Gum health is restored and there will be no more decay