What are the benefits of GUM GRAFT Surgery?
A gum graft can reduce further recession and bone loss. In some cases, it can cover exposed roots to protect them from decay. This may reduce tooth sensitivity and improve esthetics of your smile. Whether you have a gum graft to improve function or esthetics, patients often receive the benefits of both: a beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health – your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.
How would you evaluate my gum recession?
When a patient develops recession of the gums, it is important to have it examined by Dr. Nagatomo in order to determine the best treatment options to correct this problem and/or to prevent further recession.
The first step in planning the treatment of recessions is to determine their causes. There are several causes of recession, such as excessive tooth brushing, inflammation due to plaque, periodontitis and even orthodontic movement. If the cause of recession can be eliminated, it may be possible to avoid other treatment. If it cannot be eliminated, the condition may require surgical intervention.
How would you treat my gum recessions?
There are different root coverage procedures that can be used in the treatment of recession. One such technique is the placement of a connective tissue graft. In this technique, a section of tissue taken from the palate, which is the roof of the mouth, is used to cover the exposed root where the recession has occurred.
For this surgery, the first step is to administer adequate local anesthesia to the surgical sites, ensuring that the tissues are numb. Then Dr. Nagatomo will remove any caries or restorations that may be the cause of the recession or resulted from the recession. Dr. Nagatomo will prepare the area where the recession has occurred in order to make room for the graft tissue by cleaning the tooth and area of root recession. The graft must be placed on a smooth and plaque-free root surface.
The next step is to harvest the connective tissue from the donor site. For increased comfort, we will provide the graft donor site with stent (mouth piece) to cover the wound while it heals. The tissue harvested from the palate is then immediately placed at the recipient site, and secured in the proper position with sutures.
What is the instruction after the surgery?
The patient will be instructed to see us for a post-operative appointment, no later than 2 weeks after the surgery. At that appointment, Dr. Nagatomo will check the healing and remove any remaining sutures.
It is recommended that the patient avoid brushing and flossing around the surgical site for the first two weeks after the surgery, and that he or she rinse gently with 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate twice a day for 1-2 minutes. A soft diet is recommended for the first 2-3 weeks following the surgery.