Gum Grafting
Portland, OR
 When most people think about the ideal smile, the focus tends to be solely on the teeth. While your teeth are one of the most prominent features of your smile, they are not the only factor. Your gums also play a significant role in your smile. No matter how perfect your teeth are, gum recession can make them appear too long, affecting the quality of your smile and your confidence. Gum recession can also lead to serious oral health issues. West End Dental can restore a healthier, more natural gum line with gum grafting.
-How Important are the Gums?
Your gums play many important roles in your mouth. They are a crucial component in the appearance of your smile. In addition to contributing to your smile, your gums are also an integral component of your oral health. Healthy gums provide a tight seal around your teeth, preventing bacteria and other debris from traveling below the gum line. This keeps bacteria away from your periodontal ligaments and jawbone. The gums protect the roots of your teeth from sensitivity. They also play a role in the stability of your teeth, helping to hold them in proper alignment.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession can happen for many reasons. Common causes of gum recession include: | • |
Periodontal disease.
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Aggressive tooth brushing.
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Misaligned teeth.
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Bruxism, or the grinding and clenching of your teeth.
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Age. |
What is Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that is performed to restore a natural, healthy gum line following gum recession. This procedure involves transplanting soft tissue from one area of your mouth, typically the roof, over the affected teeth. In some cases, donor tissue may be used. The procedure is done under a local anesthetic. Sedation may also be provided if you are feeling anxious. We then harvest the necessary tissue and suture it over the affected teeth. As you heal, the tissues fuse, helping to reform a tight, protective seal around your teeth while enhancing the beauty of your smile.
The Different Types of Gum Grafting
There are a few different types of gum grafts that may be used. During your initial consultation, we will go over your options and help to determine the best solution to meet your needs. Common types of gum grafts include: | • |
Connective tissue. This type of graft requires a small flap in the roof of your mouth. The necessary tissue is harvested from under the flap and sutured over your affected teeth. Finally, the flap is sutured closed. A connective tissue graft is often used when root coverage is required.
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Free gingival. A free gingival graft also uses tissue from the roof of your mouth. Rather than taking the tissue out from under a small flap, however, the tissue is taken directly from the palate. This leaves you with a larger, open wound. Free gingival grafts are often used when keratinized tissue is needed.
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Pedicle. A pedicle graft uses surrounding gum tissue. This procedure involves small incisions in your gums to loosen the tissue. We then rearrange your gums and suture them in place. With this type of graft, the blood vessels remain intact, which can aid in faster healing. |
What are the Benefits of Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting provides several benefits. These include: | • |
Improving your oral health.
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Eliminating tooth sensitivity.
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Improving the quality of your smile and boost your confidence. |
With a gum graft, we can help to restore your oral health, the appearance of your smile, and your confidence. For more information, and to find out if a gum graft is a right solution for you, call West End Dental today at (503) 446-2957.
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