Dental Gum Graft in California: What It Is and When It’s Needed
- Posted on July 27, 2018
“Gum graft” isn’t a dental term that’s thrown around very casually, so you might not be familiar with this procedure or what it entails. So when can a dental gum graft in California benefit your oral health?
When Do You Need Gum Grafts?
A gum graft is a surgery that might be performed if your gums are receding from your teeth. At this point, you would be able to see the root of the tooth because the gum is no longer covering all of it.
Having a dental gum graft can halt the recession and prevent you from losing some of the bone and the tooth, as well as prevent decay. This surgery offers numerous benefits, which include protecting your oral health, decreasing sensitivity in the tooth and helping you eat comfortably.
Gum recession typically starts because of gum disease. Nonetheless, it can also come about from smoking, brushing your teeth too roughly, hormones or some other potential causes. If your gums are not currently receding – or not receding too far – one way to prevent this problem is through proper dental hygiene.
What Are Dental Gum Grafts in California?
When your dentist or periodontist suggests gum grafts, he or she wants to conceal the gum recession you’re experiencing. This surgery takes a piece of tissue, often from your palate, and uses it to cover the root of your tooth.
Depending on the condition of your mouth and what your dental specialist feels is best for the appearance and feel of your gums, he or she may perform a gum graft on one or more teeth.
There are three different types of gum grafts:
- Connective-tissue grafts, which take tissue from underneath the skin on the top of your mouth;
- Free gingival grafts use tissue from the palate skin, instead of tissue from underneath the skin like with connective-tissue grafts.
- Pedicle grafts – which only work if enough tissue is present – use some of the tissue already around the tooth.
About the Procedure
A dental gum graft in California is not a major dental procedure. However, you might experience some pain and discomfort following surgery. Having a sedative for the procedure will require you to have another person bring you home, whereas you should be able to drive yourself if you don’t need the sedative. Also, you would experience more discomfort and healing time if you have skin tissue removed from the roof of your mouth.
It’s a good idea for you and your dentist to discuss the pros and cons of the different gum graft types and what you could expect during and after your surgery. Your specialist will give you recommendations about taking care of your mouth and eating after the procedure and might offer prescription pain medication or suggest you take an over-the-counter type.
The only way to determine if you could benefit from a dental gum graft in California is to have your mouth examined by a professional. If you feel that you may be suffering from the effects of gum disease – don’t hesitate – call our office today to schedule a consultation.
Charlotte Arellano is a multi-talented author, editor and entrepreneur based in Miami, Florida. With a passion for writing, She has been published in multiple magazines and online outlets, such as The Huffington Post, The Miami Herald and Entrepreneur Magazine. Her writing topics range from business, lifestyle, travel and health.
“Gum graft” isn’t a dental term that’s thrown around very casually, so you might not be familiar with this procedure or what it entails. So when can a dental gum graft in California benefit your oral health? When Do You Need Gum Grafts? A gum graft is a surgery that might be performed if your…