Gum Graft Surgery in Greenville, TX

A gum graft, also known as a gingival graft or periodontal plastic surgery, is a dental procedure designed to treat gum recession. Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding your teeth begins to wear away or pull back, exposing more of your tooth or its root. This can lead to a range of oral health issues, including tooth sensitivity, root cavities, and eventual tooth loss. Slight gum recession can usually be fixed with a few changes to your oral hygiene routine to take better care of your teeth and gums. When the gingiva recedes further, it exposes you to a greater risk of infection and bacterial penetration. You will likely be more sensitive to hot and cold foods when you have receding gums, and if the gums recede enough as to expose the root, you can set yourself up for more serious problems. The root is softer than the enamel making it more vulnerable to bacteria and plaque.

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A gum graft in Greenville, TX, at Graham Family Dental & Spa involves taking healthy gum tissue from another area of your mouth (usually the palate) or using donor tissue and attaching it to the receding gum area. This procedure is very predictable and has a high success rate. This procedure should be performed before more serious problems develop and periodontal surgery is necessary. A gum graft will help to cover exposed roots, strengthen the gums, and restore a healthy gumline, improving both the aesthetics and function of your smile.

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There are several factors that can contribute to gum recession, including:

• Periodontal diseases: Gum infections caused by bacteria can destroy gum tissue and the supporting bone structure, leading to gum recession.
• Aggressive tooth brushing: Brushing your teeth too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles can cause gum recession over time.
• Genetics: Some individuals are predisposed to having thin or weak gum tissue, which makes them more susceptible to gum recession.
• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly in women, can make gums more sensitive and prone to recession.
• Tobacco use: Smoking and using tobacco products can cause gum irritation and increase the likelihood of gum recession.
• Misaligned teeth: Teeth that are not properly aligned can put extra stress on your gums, leading to gum recession.
• Teeth grinding or clenching: Excessive force on your teeth can cause gum recession over time.

Undergoing a gum graft in Greenville, TX, with Dr. Graham offers several benefits, such as:

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• Improved aesthetics: A gum graft can help restore a natural-looking gumline, enhancing the appearance of your smile.
• Reduced tooth sensitivity: By covering exposed tooth roots, gum grafts can help alleviate tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
• Improved oral health: Gum grafts can help prevent further gum recession and bone loss, reducing the risk of tooth loss.
• Protection from root cavities: Covering exposed tooth roots helps protect them from decay and cavities.

There are three main types of gum grafts:

1. Connective-tissue graft: This is the most common type of gum graft. In this procedure, Dr. Graham will make a small incision in the roof of your mouth to access the connective tissue beneath the top layer of skin. A small piece of this tissue is then removed and stitched to the receding gum area. Finally, the incision in the roof of your mouth is closed with sutures.

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2. Free gingival graft: In this type of gum graft, a small piece of tissue is directly removed from the roof of your mouth and attached to the receding gum area. This procedure is often recommended for individuals with naturally thin gums who require extra tissue to enlarge the gum area.

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3. Pedicle graft: This procedure involves creating a flap (or “pedicle”) from the gum tissue adjacent to the receding gum area. The flap is then partially cut away and moved to cover the exposed tooth root while still remaining attached to its original blood supply. Pedicle grafts are generally recommended for individuals with adequate gum tissue near the affected area.

Before your gum graft in Greenville, TX, Dr. Graham will thoroughly assess your oral health and discuss the best treatment option for your specific needs. On the day of the procedure, you’ll be made comfortable in our state-of-the-art treatment rooms, and a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area being treated.

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The gum graft procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the type of graft being performed. Once the graft has been secured in place, Dr. Graham will apply a protective dressing to the treated area and provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure a successful recovery.

The recovery period following a gum graft varies depending on the individual and the type of graft performed. However, most patients can expect some discomfort and swelling in the treated area for the first few days. Dr. Graham may prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort and recommend using an ice pack to reduce swelling.

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Following Dr. Graham’s aftercare instructions must be followed carefully to ensure a successful healing process. These instructions may include the following:

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• Avoid brushing or flossing in the treated area until it has healed.
• Rinsing your mouth with a prescribed mouthwash or a warm saltwater solution to keep the area clean and promote healing.
• Eat soft foods and avoid hot or spicy items for the first few days following the procedure.
• Refraining from smoking or using tobacco products during the healing process as it can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications.
• Most patients can return to their normal activities within a week following the gum graft procedure. However, it’s essential to attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with Dr. Graham to monitor your healing progress and ensure the success of your gum graft.

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At Graham Family Dental & Spa, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional care in a relaxing and comfortable environment. Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health and the beautiful smile you deserve.

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If you’re concerned about gum recession and believe you may benefit from a gum graft in Greenville, TX, don’t hesitate to contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Graham. Together, we can help you restore your smile and regain your confidence.