Gum Graft
South Ogden, Utah 
Gum graft surgery is one of the standard procedures we perform at Skyline Implants & Periodontics.
A gum graft is an essential oral procedure designed to fix gum issues such as gum recession and thinning gums. When your gums have receded, your tooth roots might be exposed.
Our doctors perform gum graft surgery at our South Ogden, UT dental practice to help revert this situation.
What Is a Gum Graft?
A gum graft is a form of periodontal surgery used to fix receding gums. Gum recession causes various defects, including your gums pulling away from the teeth and exposing the tooth root.
You will experience discomfort when drinking hot or cold beverages with exposed teeth roots. Receding gums also increase the risk of bone loss and tooth decay, which could result in missing teeth.
A gum graft procedure reduces lost gum tissue and helps increase your overall health. Thanks to this procedure, you will have healthy gums and an improved smile.
You don't have to worry about too much of your teeth showing, as the lost gum tissue will be replaced.
Our experienced periodontists perform gum graft procedures with excellent results.
Gum grafts are also recommended for those suffering from severe conditions like advanced periodontitis.
How Does a Gum Graft Work?
A gum graft procedure replaces the lost gum tissue that leads to the exposure of tooth roots.
Before we start the procedure, we apply a sedative or local anesthetic that keeps you comfortable throughout the process. You will not feel any discomfort throughout the session.
To obtain a graft, we create a flap of tissue from the roof of your mouth and prepare it for your gums.In most cases, we obtain the new tissue from the roof of your mouth. We use donor tissue instead if you don't have sufficient tissue density.
The flap of tissue is placed on the receding gums on nearby healthy gum tissue, where it helps replace lost gum tissue.
After positioning it correctly, we suture the tissue to the affected area.
Types of Gum Grafts We Perform
Every type of gum graft surgery involves obtaining donor tissue from one part of your mouth and attaching them to the affected part of your gums. Their main difference is the gum grafting techniques and the expected results. Here are the types of gum graft surgeries we perform.
Connective Tissue Graft
This is one of the most common gum graft procedures we perform. It entails opening a small flap in the roof of your mouth, also referred to as a "trap door."
Even though it mainly involves your own tissue, this procedure can also be done using foreign donor tissue.
Once we create the trap door in the roof of your mouth, we use it to locate and get rid of the connective tissue underneath it. After that, we will stitch it up and replace the lost gum tissue.
This will go a long way in helping restore your smile. Connective tissue graft procedure has high success rates and is the most common type of graft.
Gingival Graft
Just like the trap door technique, a gingival graft also involves obtaining a small tissue from the roof of your mouth.
However, the difference between them is that the obtained tissue is picked from the top layer of the palate and placed on thinning gum tissues.
This is meant to keep it in good shape and make your smile natural. A gingival graft also prevents further gum recession and helps keep your gums in shape. It treats receding gums and other similar conditions around your gums.
Alloderm Graft
This is another type of gum graft surgery we perform.
An alloderm graft is a highly sophisticated procedure designed for patients with extreme gum recession.
This procedure is unique because it bypasses the need to create another wound on the floor of your mouth.
Besides, the donor tissue is not obtained from a part of your body; it is obtained from a third-party - in most cases, a tissue bank. These tissues have been processed thoroughly to allow compatibility and less intrusion.
How Long Do Gum Grafts Last?
Gum grafts can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
Good oral hygiene and taking good care of gums will ensure that gum grafts last as long as possible. We encourage good oral practices like brushing your teeth thoroughly and flossing regularly.
Periodontal maintenance, a professional deep cleaning done by our periodontists, is also recommended on a regular basis.
You should also maintain a proper diet that helps boost your oral health. Avoid eating foods with a negative impact on your teeth, such as acidic and sugary foods.
How Long Do Stitches Stay in After Gum Graft Surgery?
Stitches will dissolve in your mouth after about four to seven days.
You are warned against trying to manipulate any stitches at the site because it will distort the recovery process.
The fact that stitches are resorbable means you don't have to remove them. All you have to do is keep them in your mouth until they dissolve. After the four to seven day period elapses, the harvest site will have either resorbable stitches or a band-aid.
You don't have to worry about the liquid band-aid, as it will chip away after one to two weeks. The liquid band-aid is useful because it provides protection when you are drinking or eating.
You need to be cautious about the harvest site because exposing it to hot or cold foods can cause discomfort.
What Can I Eat After Gum Graft Surgery?
A liquid diet is highly recommended after gum graft surgery. You should maintain this diet for the first few days post-operation.
On the same day after undergoing a gum graft surgery, we encourage you only to eat cold foods and beverages such as ice cream, shakes, yogurts, and pudding.
Avoid drinking any acidic sodas or fruit juice because they can cause damage. You should also avoid using a straw for the first few days.
Schedule with Your South Ogden, UT Periodontist Today!
Gum graft procedures are crucial for people with receding gums and other oral conditions. Our periodontists at Skyline Implants & Periodontics are ready to perform a gum graft procedure to help restore your oral health and smile. Call (385) 888-7414 today to schedule your appointment. |
