Receding gums are a dental condition in which the tissues covering your teeth retract, exposing more of your teeth or their roots. Individuals with receding gums often experience heightened tooth sensitivity to hot or cold drinks and may be at a higher risk of rapid tooth decay.
There are various procedures that a dentist may employ to treat receding gums. One such technique is soft tissue grafting, also known as gum grafting. Our periodontics and implantology specialist uses soft tissue grafts to restore receding gums in Matthews near Charlotte, NC.
Gum grafting is often straightforward but requires specific dental preparation. Dr. D’Silva, a renowned periodontist in Matthews, will guide you on everything you need to know about soft tissue grafting procedures for treating receding gums.
What is a Soft Tissue Graft?
Soft tissue grafting, or gum grafting, is a dental surgery that treats gum recession or thinning gums. It helps cover an exposed tooth root by replacing lost tissues with another, thereby adding volume to your gum line for improved dental health.
Dentists primarily perform three types of soft tissue grafts: Connective tissue grafts, free gingival grafts, and pedicle grafts. The type of gum graft our periodontics and implantology specialist in Matthews uses will depend on your specific needs.
What Causes Receding Gums?
There are several reasons why your gums may recede. While the most common cause of gum recession is periodontal disease, other causes may include:
- Plaque or tartar buildup
- Brushing too hard
- Dental misalignment
- Smoking or excessive chewing of tobacco
- Trauma or injury to your gum tissue
- Poor oral hygiene
Gum Recession Treatment
Soft tissue graft surgery is your best option if you’re looking for the most predictable and long-lasting treatment for receding gums. Why?
Receding gums don’t grow back. So, surgery that replaces lost gum tissues is a viable option. Also, gum graft surgery is typically performed by a periodontist. Our periodontist, Dr. D’Silva, possesses the expertise to help replace your missing gum tissue.
Gum Graft Success Rate
The soft tissue graft procedure offers patients the best chance of treating gum recession. With a success rate of over 90%, you can restore your smile’s beauty and improve your oral health.
Our periodontist performs this procedure by taking a gum graft from the roof of your mouth. But, occasionally, the graft may be extracted from a sterilized human donor tissue.
Once the graft is placed in the required area, Dr. D’Silva will then stitch the graft into place. As stated earlier, there are different gum grafting procedures. Our periodontist will determine the right one for your condition.
Benefits of Soft Tissue Graft
- Reduced sensitivity: Covering exposed roots can alleviate sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
- Improved oral hygiene: The graft can help make cleaning the teeth and gums in the affected area easier.
- Prevents further recession: The graft can help prevent further recession of the gums.
- Improved appearance: The graft can improve the appearance of your smile by restoring a more balanced gumline.
- Reduced risk of tooth decay: By protecting the tooth roots, the graft can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Soft Tissue Graft Recovery
While patients don’t heal at the same time, you should be able to go home after the procedure. However, if you were on a sedative during the treatment, you will need to have someone else drive you home.
An average recovery from a soft tissue graft takes about one to two weeks. However, if many areas are treated at once, recovery might take a little longer.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some questions you may have regarding soft tissue grafts. However, we recommend you visit our dental office in Matthews near Charlotte for further clarity.
Is soft tissue graft painful?
Soft tissue grafting can be uncomfortable, but it is generally not painful. Our periodontist performs the procedure with local anesthesia, ensuring no pain during the surgery. After surgery, you may experience some soreness, swelling, or discomfort, especially if tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth.
How much does a soft tissue graft cost?
The cost varies from one dental provider to another. If you have insurance, you can cover the partial or full cost of the treatment. We also provide an affordable payment plan at Pinnacle Periodontics and Dental Implants. Please discuss with our periodontist to learn more about your payment options.
Do You Need A Soft Tissue Graft for Receding Gums in Matthews near Charlotte?
Schedule an appointment with us today if you notice you have receding gums in Matthews, near Charlotte, NC. Dr. D’Silva will develop the correct soft tissue graft procedure to help replace the lost tissues.
