About Gum Grafting
As the gums begin to recess due to disease, our bodies lose a natural defense mechanism that once protected us from bacterial penetration and trauma. If you are suffering from recessed gums, NobelPerio can help with a procedure known as gum grafting.
If only a minor recession is present and some healthy gingiva remains, treatment may only include the alteration of your at-home oral hygiene routine. But if the recession has reached the mucosa, the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost.
Gum recession often results in sensitivity to cold and hot foods or beverages and an unsightly gum and tooth appearance. When gum recession is severe, the soft particles of the root surface may become exposed, leading to cavities and root gouging.
A gingival gum graft at NobelPerio can help solve these problems. During the procedure, a thin portion of tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth (or taken from adjacent areas) to provide a new, stable band of gum surface around the tooth. The grafts are most often used to cover the exposed section of the tooth's root, providing protection against bacteria.
This gingival graft procedure is highly successful with positive outcomes, resulting in a strong, healthy band of tissue, which functions and appears normal and attractive.
Gingivectomy
When gum tissue is too thick, covering the tooth surface and making the teeth appear too short, a gingivectomy may be necessary or recommended. This may be caused by medication, a jawbone that extends too close to the surface of the teeth, or inflammation from periodontal disease.
A gingivectomy is a periodontal procedure that eliminates excess gum tissue. The term "gingivectomy" is derived from Latin:
- "gingiva" means gum tissue,
- "-ectomy" means to remove.
The following are some reasons a gingivectomy might be needed:
Aesthetic: To make the teeth appear more normal in size in cases where the gum is covering too much.
Functionality: To remove excess gum tissue that has formed because of medications.
Health: To shrink deep gum pockets that leave the teeth and gums susceptible to disease.
Procedure Technique
Local anesthesia will be administered to the areas that will receive treatment. Other sedation dentistry options are available upon request. Next, the excess gum tissue will be removed, using either a scalpel, rotary instruments, or a laser. In most cases, stitches and/or sutures are not necessary. You can expect the surgical sites to be sore for up to 48 hours. Prescription pain medication will be provided to help tolerate any discomfort experienced during recovery. A one-week follow-up appointment is typically needed to ensure proper healing.