Fighting Gum Recession With Gum Grafts

Pretty much anyone over 30 is familiar with some gum recession. Age isn’t the only factor though. It can also occur due to genetics, tobacco use, overly vigorous brushing, and orthodontics. Other things like not getting enough dental care, tooth grinding and clenching, and hormonal changes can also lead to gum recession. There are a few ways to treat it, although it is not an easy symptom to deal with. Fortunately, a new development in dentistry means that gum recession doesn’t have to be permanent.

What is gum recession?

If you are reading this at all, you probably know what the gums do. They surround the teeth and cover their roots. They are important parts of the body in maintaining dental health. Not only do the gums help ensure you keep your teeth, they also are general indicators of over all oral health. Bleeding, recessed, sensitive, and inflamed gums are all signs of bigger oral health problems. 

Gum recession is the process of the gum tissue around the teeth wearing away. This process exposes more of the tooth’s root and, untreated, can lead to tooth loss. As the gum recedes, pockets, or holes form. These gaps between the teeth are at risk of infection, as bacteria can easily build up in them. Untreated, tooth loss, atherosclerosis, and other serious health risks can result.

Read more about causes of gum recession here.

One of the biggest factors the leads to gum disease being untreated is that it is gradual. Because it happens slowly over time, people don’t notice it. 

How to notice it?

One of the first signs is sensitivity to heat and cold. 

How to treat gum recession

Deep cleaning

This is the most easily treated. A deep clean of the tooth and the surrounding area will help. This process, called tooth scaling and root planing will clean off the tartar built up on the tooth surface and below the gum line. This rids the area of harmful bacteria, and makes it harder for new bacteria to take root. 

Antibiotics

Antibiotics might also be administered to remove harmful bacteria from pockets in recessed gums. 

Regeneration

This is used when some bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed due to gum recession. First gum tissue will be folded back and bacteria removed. Then a material like graft tissue, membrane, or protein is applied. This stimulates bone and tissue regrowth. 

Soft tissue or gum graft

This is the nuclear option for gum recession. In this procedure, a small amount of flesh is removed from the roof of the mouth. It is then placed and sutured over the exposed tooth or bone that the gum has receded from. The healing of the roof of the mouth can be compared to a mild burn. Donor tissues can also be used from other people, animals, and bio gels. Patients and doctors can choose which tissue to use based on the amount of lost gum tissue and the amount of discomfort a patient is willing to deal with. 

After the procedure, the area is dressed with a putty similar to chewing gum in consistency. It protects the site until a follow-up appointment removes sutures and checks the healing. A resin may protect the tissue removal site and reduce pain during healing. The resin will fall off on its own. This follow-up is usually about 7 days after surgery. 

Patients can reduce pain and swelling with an ice pack and over-the-counter medications. During the healing process, the patient will also be prescribed an antibacterial mouthwash for plaque control. They will also have to avoid vigorous brushing, flossing, and chewing on the side of the mouth with the graft. 

Two weeks after the first follow-up, another appointment will take place. The orthodontist will ensure the graft has taken and attached to the gums. During healing, the graft may be whiter or pinker than the rest of the gums. Finally, about 6 months after the procedure, healing will be complete. 

Do you have gum recession?

If you think you may be experiencing gum recession, don’t hesitate to contact us. Josey Lane Dentistry has been serving the Carrollton Texas area since 2003. We are full-service family dentistry office. If you are worried about gum recession or any other oral health problem, take care of it immediately, contact a professional — contact Josey Lane.