January 31, 2016

Sometimes referred to as gingival grafting or periodontal plastic surgery, gum grafting is the all-encompassing name that refers to periodontal procedures for covering the exposed root of a tooth. Your dentist might recommend one of these procedures for a number of reasons.

Types of Gum Grafting

Common procedures include free gingival grafts, subepithelial connective tissue grafts and acellular dermal matrix allografts. Gingival grafts thicken the gum tissue by removing a layer of tissue from the palate and placing it in the area where your gums are receding. Subepithelial connective tissue grafts cover exposed roots by removing tissue from the outer portion of the palate and moving it to the receding area. Finally, acellular dermal matrix allografts use donated human tissue, which offers the benefit of a less painful procedure for many people.

Grafting Reduces Sensitivity

An exposed tooth root can cause you to feel extreme pain any time you try to eat or drink something hot or cold. Surgery using grafted oral tissue covers the exposed root permanently, which helps to reduce pain and sensitivity associated with eating or drinking.

It Improves Gum Health

Dr. Jacqueline Subka, DDS, a general dentist in Thousand Oaks, CA, notes that grafting can also improve the health of your gums. Untreated periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, progresses rapidly and quickly destroys gum tissue. Oral grafting helps to stop the loss of tissue and bone, which protects exposed roots from decaying further.

Grafting Improves Your Appearance

Gum recession and inflammation resulting from periodontal disease causes your teeth to look longer, which affects your smile. Gum grafting surgery can make your teeth appear closer to their original length and might make them look more symmetrical. You might opt to enhance any adjacent tissue during your grafting for further symmetry.

No two gum grafting procedures are exactly alike. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. To learn more about grafting surgery, call 844-791-9180 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Subka, DDS, a general dentist in Thousand Oaks, CA.

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