Gum Grafting
If you’ve experienced gum damage or recession that threatens to expose the root of your tooth, you might be a candidate for the .
During this procedure, new tissue, usually taken from elsewhere in your mouth, is placed in over-exposed or thinning areas of the gums.
Our Grand Rapids dentists are highly experienced with this type of oral surgery. Contact our dental office today for more information.
Types of Gum Grafting
There are two main types: free gingival grafting and connective tissue grafting. Our dentists will recommend the that best fits your needs.
- Free Gingival Graft: This works best in cases where the root of the tooth is not exposed. It thickens gums in areas where they have thinned, making them more resistant to infection and preventing further gum damage or recession.
- Connective Tissue Graft: This graft is used in situations where the tooth’s root is already exposed. The connective tissue graft covers the exposed areas and helps restore normal gum appearance and function in the mouth.
What to Know About Gum Grafting Surgery
Our dentists will talk with you about the anesthesia required for this oral procedure. After that, the team will get to work on your gum grafting. The process is similar to that of crown lengthening, except you will have new tissue grafted to your gums instead of simply moving your current gum tissue.
Recovery is pretty straightforward. You should eat soft foods for the first few days of the healing process, as anything else might injure the healing gums. Swelling can be managed by icing the area, and our dentists will talk with you about pain relief options if you experience any discomfort after your gum grafting procedure.
Learn More
Our Grand Rapids, MI, oral surgeons at Bander Dental Group will be happy to help you decide whether gum grafting is right for you. Give us a call at (616) 949-5980 or contact us online to set up an appointment today.