Tissue Grafting: Everything You Need to Know
Have your teeth been extra sensitive to hot or cold temperatures lately? Or maybe they look longer than they used to be? If so, you may have gum recession, leaving your tooth roots exposed. Dr. Blackmon may recommend a tissue graft to prevent further gum loss and protect your exposed tooth roots. Our experienced prosthodontist will outline your options and help you determine the most conservative solution to restore your smile. Contact Guided Smiles Prosthodontics & Implant Center to get started today!
What Are the Causes of Gum Recession?
When your gums are healthy, they fit snugly around your teeth, protecting them and keeping your smile healthy. Gum recession occurs when the soft tissues surrounding your teeth pull back or are lost, exposing your tooth root surfaces and leaving your teeth looking longer. It usually results from periodontal or gum disease, a chronic and progressive condition that typically develops due to plaque and tartar buildup along and under the gum line.
Additional factors contributing to gum recession include poor oral hygiene, aggressive tooth brushing, a genetic predisposition, and the use of tobacco products. It can also result from trauma, teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism), and tooth misalignment. Beyond being a cosmetic concern, receding gums can lead to tooth sensitivity and elevate the risk of decay in the exposed tooth roots. The condition develops gradually, which is why it often goes unnoticed until it has progressed significantly.
What Is Tissue Grafting?
Tissue grafting is a surgical procedure used to repair the damage caused by gum recession. It involves transplanting healthy gum tissue to rebuild the tissues in the areas where the gums have receded.
The following are the different types of tissue grafts available to you:
- Connective Tissue Graft: This is the most common type of tissue graft. It involves harvesting a thin layer of subepithelial connective tissue from your palate and carefully positioning it over the areas of gum recession, covering your exposed tooth roots, and restoring your gum line.
- Free Gingival Graft: This technique involves taking small sections of soft tissue directly from the palate to rebuild your recessed gums. Free gingival grafts are typically recommended if you have thin gums and require additional tissue to increase your gum thickness.
- Pedicle Graft: This type of graft uses gum tissue from the immediate vicinity of your recession site. It offers a viable option if you have an abundance of healthy gum tissue adjacent to the treatment area.
- Allograft: With allografts, we use donated tissue grafts from tissue banks to reconstruct your receding gums. They offer a convenient solution, eliminating the need to harvest your own tissues.
Dr. Blackmon will recommend the type of tissue graft best suited for your unique needs.
How Does Tissue Grafting Enhance Your Oral Health?
Tissue grafting offers numerous oral health benefits, including the following:
- It prevents further gum tissue recession and bone loss.
- It restores your natural-looking gum line, enhancing your smile.
- It eliminates tooth sensitivity, relieving your discomfort.
- It provides long-term tooth stability and support.
- It helps cover your exposed tooth roots and protects them from decay.
- It enhances the ability to maintain proper oral hygiene practices.
What Is the Tissue Grafting Procedure?
Your tissue grafting process will begin with a consultation with Dr. Blackmon, who will evaluate your unique needs and recommend the ideal type of graft to restore your healthy gum line. He will ensure you understand what to expect and is always happy to answer your questions.
Tissue grafting is performed under local anesthesia for your comfort. Dr. Blackmon will harvest gum tissues or use a donor graft to skillfully rebuild your lost gum tissues, restoring your natural gum line. He will provide you with post-operative care instructions to promote healing and ensure the graft integrates well with your existing gum tissues.
Tissue Grafts Near Me in Ponte Vedra, FL
If you have gum recession, Dr. Blackmon may recommend a tissue graft to restore your healthy, beautiful, and pain-free smile. Our acclaimed prosthodontist and his patient-centered team at Guided Smiles Prosthodontics & Implant Center are committed to providing exceptional care with a compassionate, gentle touch. Call us at 904-395-5501 or schedule an appointment online today!