Gum Grafting

Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that can protect your teeth from the damaging effects of gum recession and improve the appearance of your smile. As part of our commitment to provide comprehensive dental care under one roof, our team at MPDG has extensive experience providing gum graft surgery in Monterey, CA so you can enjoy a strong, healthy smile free from sensitivity.

If you’ve been told that you have receding gums and may need a gum graft, we’re here for you. While the idea of gum surgery may sound intimidating, our team has mastered safe and effective pain control and stress reduction techniques to make your gum graft surgery as comfortable as possible. 

What Is Gum Recession?

Healthy gums support the teeth and hold them in place with a collar of tissue that sticks to the tooth root. Ideally, this collar of tissue should sit high on the tooth, close to the crown of the tooth. Gum recession happens when the top edge of the gum tissue moves down and reveals more of the tooth structure.

As the tooth root becomes exposed, you may notice that your teeth look longer or uneven, or that there are unattractive dark or discolored areas along the gum line. You may also notice that your teeth become more sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods and beverages.

Left untreated, gum recession increases your risks for severe decay and tooth erosion, changes to your bite, shifting teeth, and tooth loss. A gum tissue graft can restore the gums to a healthy position, relieving sensitivity, stabilizing the support structure for your teeth, and improving the look of your smile.

What Happens During a Gum Grafting Procedure

There are several different approaches to gum graft surgery. We have the expertise to tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs. The three most common types of gum grafts are:

Connective Tissue Graft: This is the most common type of gum graft. We’ll carefully harvest a small piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth, usually from underneath a thin layer of skin which is then put back in place. We’ll then use it to cover tooth roots exposed by gum recession. This will cover the roots and encourage new gum tissue to grow where it’s needed. 

Free Gingival Graft: This method is most often used for people who have thin gums and need more tissue to reinforce the gums and make them thicker or tougher. Similarly to a connective tissue graft, we’ll harvest a small piece of mucosa from the roof of your mouth and place it where it’s needed. Over time, the graft will heal and blend with your gums to create a stronger, healthier, more stable gum line. 

Pedicle Graft: This approach uses your existing gum tissue to fix receding gums. Instead of taking tissue from another part of your mouth, we’ll carefully move a flap of gum from a nearby area to cover the exposed root. The flap stays connected on one side to maintain blood flow, helping it heal faster.

Our Team Is Here to Protect Your Smile

Our team at MPDG is committed to providing the best possible care for your complete smile, including periodontal care for your gums. By offering gum graft surgery in Monterey, CA in the same dental office you already know and love, we can help protect your smile for life.

We also believe in taking the most conservative approach to issues like gum recession. For mild cases of gum recession, the best course of action is to eliminate the root cause. That may mean providing a night guard to limit nighttime grinding, changing the way you brush your teeth, or eliminating habits like tobacco use that can restrict blood flow to the gums and lead to recession. 

If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, noticing that your gum line has changed or your teeth look longer than they used to, or you’ve been told you need gum graft surgery, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’ll help you find the best option for the health of your gums and your smile!

Author:

This page has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Ryan Lehr, a partner at MPDG and a graduate of Creighton University School of Dentistry. Click here to follow him on Linkedin.