Soft Tissue Grafting to Restore Your Gum Line
Receding gums are common. In most cases, but not all, untreated gum disease causes it. Receding gums can be a problem around a single tooth or an entire set of teeth. Gum grafting by Jackson periodontists, Dr. Roger Parkes or Dr. R. Clarke Stewart, can fix your receding gums and help protect your teeth roots from the effects of bacteria, which can lead to bone and tooth loss.
Symptoms of receding gums may include:
- Gums that bleed or look inflamed
- Exposed roots and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Tooth decay
Gum grafting fixes receding gums by borrowing healthy gum tissue from other places in your mouth and placing it in areas where you have receding gums. Tissue from a tissue bank can also be used to fix receding gums.
Gum disease causes receding gums in most cases but not always. Sometimes it’s genetic. If you’ve always had a naturally-low gum line, gum grafting may be right for you too. Some patients choose gum grafting because it gives added coverage to large teeth. A longer gum line can simply give you a more attractive smile with the added benefit of protection.
Video: Explaining Soft Tissue Grafting
Soft tissue grafting is explained by Drs. R. Clarke Stewart and Roger B. Parkes. It is described as both a cosmetic enhancement and a periodontal solution to certain gum diseases. They are both periodontists, which means they can provide superior care for your periodontal health.
Gum Grafting Procedures
Connective-Tissue Grafts
Connective-tissue grafts are the most popular way to treat receding gums around one or more teeth where the roots are exposed:
- A little flap is cut on the roof of the mouth.
- Healthy tissue is removed from under the flap and the flap is sewed back into place.
- The new tissue is attached to the receding gums to cover the exposed tooth roots.
- The new tissue binds with the receding gums to permanently lengthen the gum line.
Free Gingival Grafts
If your gum tissue is naturally-thin, Dr. Parkes or Dr. Stewart may suggest a free gingival gum graft. This is similar to a connective tissue gum graft:
- Instead of cutting a flap on the roof of the mouth, the tissue is removed directly from the surface.
- The new tissue is attached to the receding gums to cover the exposed tooth roots.
- The new tissue binds with the receding gums to permanently lengthen the gum line.
Pedicle Grafts
If you still have good tissue near your receding gums, one of our doctors might perform a pedicle graft:
- Instead of using tissue from the roof of your mouth, a flap of tissue, called a pedicle, is made where the receding gums are.
- The flap is either pulled up over the tooth roots (lower jaw) or pulled down over the tooth roots (upper jaw) to lengthen the gum line.
Healing from Gum Grafting Surgery
If you took a sedative during your surgery, let someone drive you home. A mild inflammatory medication from the drug store is usually enough to ease any soreness. If necessary, Dr. Parkes or Dr. Stewart will give you a prescription. Do not floss or brush the affected areas until your gums are completely healed. Instead, use the mouth wash our doctors recommend to fight plaque. Eat soft foods, such as eggs, gelatin, pasta, yogurt for about a week, until your gums are healed.
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