Gum graft
A gum graft: an excellent way to counter gum recession
The gum is an important tissue: it protects the roots of the teeth from external stimuli and attacks (heat, cold, bacteria) and helps hold the teeth in place. Sometimes, however, it weakens or recedes, affecting the appearance, health and integrity of the smile. To counter these problems, a gum graft can be performed: a simple and beneficial surgery.
At Clinique dentaire Saint-Étienne, we offer different types of grafts to counter gum recession and its consequences.
Why have a gum graft?
A gum graft is a surgical procedure in which a piece of tissue taken from the patient’s palate is attached to restore the strength and/or length of the gum. It mainly treats the attached gingiva, the part that surrounds the teeth. Its weakness is often linked to a common condition, gum recession (receding gums). This condition shows up as redness, sensitivity to heat, cold and acidity, teeth that look longer than the others, and more or less severe tooth mobility.
Causes of gum recession
- Poorly treated gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis);
- Genetics (naturally thin or even absent attached gingiva);
- An oral piercing causing repeated friction;
- Brushing too hard or with the wrong technique.
The steps of a gum graft
This procedure is done entirely under local anesthesia, in a few steps that can be repeated if needed:
- The treated area is scaled to limit the risk of bacterial infiltration;
- The dentist takes a section of connective tissue from the patient’s palate;
- The graft is stitched onto the treated area of gum, then covered with a protective membrane to promote healing;
- As it heals, the graft becomes part of the gum, which regains its strength and appearance.
What a connective tissue graft does
Covers the roots of the tooth
This type of gum graft corrects gum recession by covering the exposed roots. This helps strengthen the foundation of the teeth, often weakened by receding gums. It also helps control the sensitivity to heat, cold and acidity associated with this condition;
Increases the attached gingiva
The connective tissue also becomes part of the attached gingiva, the firm tissue surrounding the teeth. This strengthens it and stops the progression of gum recession. Without proper treatment, this condition can get worse, increasing the risk of loosening or even losing teeth.
Evens out the smile
Gum recession also affects the look of the smile, which appears less even. Because the graft restores the gum’s length and strength, the gum quickly looks healthier. The surgery also evens out the length and appearance of individual teeth.