What to Expect With Gum Grafting
If it looks like your teeth are starting to get longer, appear as if they are growing and you start to experience tooth sensitivity from hot and cold items, your gums may have receded. This causes some of the tooth’s roots to start to become visible. Receding gums can be caused by numerous issues, like tartar buildup, gum disease, or even brushing too aggressively.
Unfortunately, gum tissue can’t regrow itself so the only solution is to undergo gum grafting surgery. A lot of people tend to avoid gum grafting since they fear that it will be a very painful process. With today’s advancements in dental technology, gum grafting procedures are far less painful than they used to be. Here are a few things to understand to better familiarize yourself with the gum grafting treatments we offer at our Seattle, WA office.
Types of Gum Grafts
Gum grafts are usually performed by a periodontist. Periodontists are dentists who treat gums and the supporting bone structures of your mouth. Your dentist will perform one of three grafts depending on your situation
- Connective tissue graft
- Free gingival graft
- Pedicle graft
Why Gum Grafts Are Important
Once your gums start to recede, you may notice a noticeable color difference between your roots and tooth enamel. This then leads to the nerve endings that are close to the tooth surface to be exposed. This exposure will cause you to experience major sensitivity issues when your teeth are exposed to extreme temperatures.
Yot root’s surfaces are a lot softer than your teeth’s enamel, so if your gum tissue isn’t protected properly, they run the risk of root decay. Only when gum grafting is implemented is when the gum recession can be halted and reversed. Untreated gum recession can lead to the possibility of tooth loss.
If the thought of having a painful gum grafting procedure is keeping you from the treatment you need, remember, this procedure may cause a bit of temporary discomfort but your mouth will be healthier and your smile will be way more attractive because of it. For more information on gum grafting treatments, contact our office to schedule an appointment to speak with Dr. Amato.