One of the most common dental issues that patients face is gum recession. When a patient’s gums begin to recede, their tooth roots are exposed, making them susceptible to tooth decay and tooth loss. Luckily, there is the option to get gum grafting in Wainwright to correct this problem. Read more to learn six facts about gum grafting near you.
#1 Defining Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is understood to be the use of tissues from one part of your mouth to replace worn-out gum tissue. The wearing out of gums can be caused by poor oral hygiene leading to gum disease.
#2 When Gum Grafting Should be Considered
There is a variety of reasons that one may consider gum grafting, such as:
- If you are uncomfortable with your smile
- If you are experiencing root sensitivity
- If you have tooth decay
- To minimize the risk of future oral health problems
#3 The Gum Grafting Procedure
There are many types of gum grafting surgeries available, and our dentist in Wainwright will examine your needs to determine which one is best for you, depending on the extent of your gum recession. Here are the most common types of gum grafting surgeries:
- Connective Tissue Grafts: This involves our dentist creating a small flap so that they may take tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth to be stitched onto the receding gums, and the flap will be sutured closed.
- Free Gingival Graft Surgery: Our dentist will take tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth without the need to make a flap.
- Lateral Grafts: This is used only if the patient has enough gum tissue near their exposed roots. Our dentist will take tissue from around the exposed tooth and stitch it back over the exposed root.
#4 Preparing for Gum Grafting Treatment
Gum grafting is a pretty straightforward procedure that does not require any special preparation beforehand. You will need to arrange for a family member or friend to drive you to and from your appointment since you may not be able to drive after being given pain medications or sedatives. Our dentist near you will be sure to provide you with all aftercare instructions before you leave.
#5 The Recovery Process
It does not take long to recover from gum grafting surgery, and there are things you can do to make the recovery process go as smoothly as possible, such as:
- Avoiding the use of tobacco products
- Taking all prescribed antibiotics and painkillers
- Eating soft foods and avoiding hard or crunchy foods
- Brushing and flossing carefully
- Using mouthwash
Everyone reacts to gum grafting surgery differently. Some individuals experience more pain and discomfort than others. In general, you should be fully healed within 10-14 days. If you are experiencing pain and discomfort during this time, be sure to take painkillers to help manage these symptoms. If you notice consistent, severe pain, contact our dental office for a follow-up appointment.
#6 Complications
While complications from gum grafting surgery are rare, some patients may experience:
- Bleeding gums
- Infection
- Swollen gums
- Spaces between teeth
- Detachment of grafting tissue
If you notice any of the above symptoms, please contact our clinic for a checkup.
At Wainwright Family Dental, we prioritize your oral health and comfort. Our team of dedicated dental professionals is here to walk you through each step of the procedure and make sure that you leave feeling confident and good about your treatment. Please don’t hesitate to contact our clinic today to learn more about gum grafting in Wainwright.