Things to Know About Gum Grafting

Did you know that the gums and the jawbone recede? It happens due to many factors. For example, if you brush too aggressively, your gingiva gets hurt. If you don’t brush your teeth, gums separate from your dental pieces, making them look bigger.

When the recession is becoming problematic, gives you sensitivity, your gums bleed, or your teeth shift due to the lack of support (periodontitis, we will explain it further), you should look for gum grafting near you.

If you think you may benefit from gum grafting in LosAngeles, you may visit our dental professionals. We will evaluate the severity of the gum recession and if it’s reversible or needs surgical intervention.

What to Expect of Gum Grafting?

The procedure consists of placing the tissue in the place of the recession (the gums). The donor site is usually the palate; however, when you need to put tissue in many teeth, the donor should be another source.

First, your doctor will administer numb medication. This way, you will not feel a thing during the procedure. If you are too anxious, you may discuss sedation dentistry with them. We have a team of experts in periodontics in Los Angeles, but they are also experts in sedation. Depending on your level of anxiety, they may choose one form of sedation or another. 

They will cut the tissue from the palate and transfer it to the recession areas. Before attaching it, they will separate the gingiva from the jawbone a little bit, and they will move it there. Both the donor and recipient sites will get sutures.

They may choose to cover the sutures or not. If they don’t, they may place a mouthpiece over the roof of your mouth (the donor site) to protect it against food debris and bacteria.

What to Expect After the Procedure?

Like with a dental extraction, you will experience mild pain during the first days. You may take any over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate it.

Using ice packs is also advisable. You may place them on the face for ten minutes on/off.

Your doctor may prescribe antimicrobial mouthwashes or antibiotics. Take them as instructed to avoid any infections.

Diet Restrictions

Since the healing of the wounds takes about two weeks, we advise patients to stick to soft foods first. Over the days, they may switch to other foods, depending on how they are feeling.

Preventing Gum Disease

In some cases, gum recession is due to orthodontic treatment. But if it is because of poor oral hygiene, you must look for periodontics near you. You could benefit from a dental visit and treatment.

The first thing your dental professional will instruct is to maintain good oral care habits. Gum disease occurs because people skip their daily brushing and flossing, so we are here to remind you how to keep these issues away 

1. Brush your teeth – With fluoride toothpaste, twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

2. Floss daily – Do not forget to remove the plaque from between your teeth. To do so, use dental floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers.

3. Avoid sugary snacks – The sugary from starchy foods are the worst enemy to your teeth. Try reducing these types of foods, and include more vegetables in your diet.

4. Visit your dentist – Regular checkups are essential to prevent gum recession and periodontal disease. Your doctor will examine your mouth and detect any early signs of a problem.

5. Change your toothbrush – every three to four months or when the bristles are frayed. Not doing so will harm your teeth and gums.