Gum Grafting Alternatives
Before we identify alternatives to gum grafting, it is wise to understand what the procedure entails and why it may be considered beneficial for you. First, we need to establish the value of your smile. Your smile is the actual foundation for your personality. It is crucial in establishing both your self-confidence and your self-esteem. Your smile shares and displays who you are in your personal and professional settings.
The perception of your smile begins visually with the condition of your teeth. Everyone appreciates a perfect set of teeth. White, straight, with no flaws like cracks or chips. What you most likely do not realize is the presentation of your teeth also needs balance with healthy gums. Gum grafting has visual goals and objectives but also health concerns as well.
What are Some Causes Leading to Gum Grafting?
Gum recession is a common and frequent oral issue for everyone as we age. There are a variety of causes for receding gums. The primary reasons are periodontal or gum disease, diabetes, smoking, your genetics, and your poor oral hygiene. Something as simple as brushing your teeth too aggressively with a stiff-bristled toothbrush can cause your gums to recede. Gum recession actually affects over 12% of the adult population. Not only does it aesthetically affect your smile, but it can also cause health problems by now exposing tooth roots which can lead to tooth loss.
The Gum Grafting Procedure
The predominant source for your grafting tissue is the palette or roof of your mouth. There are a few places your periodontist can go to get some excess tissue to use for your gum graft. This tissue is then surgically attached to the area that needs treatment. The gum grafting procedure results in reducing bone loss and increased tooth sensitivity. It also returns your balanced and healthy smile.
Alternatives to Gum Grafting
The healing process can be somewhat uncomfortable following gum grafting. You will be advised to follow strict instructions as you manage the dressing in place. Several alternatives to gum grafting can be:
- Scaling and Root Planing- If there is an accumulation of damaging plaque and tartar on your roots it can be removed with scaling and planing. When this harmful plaque is removed the health of the affected gum tissue will immediately improve and will naturally take care of some of the recession.
- Regeneration- A procedure that treats the tooth root before the soft gum tissue. A bone graft can be performed first to stymie any bone loss prior to treating the gums.
- Gum Contouring- A popular alternative to gum grafting when your gum recession is not too severe or too irregular. After applying a local anesthetic either a handheld scalpel or a dental laser can be used to simply reshape the gumline. The primary benefit of using the laser is it cauterizes the incision immediately therefore shortening the healing time. This treatment also improves your smile.
- Pinhole Surgical Technique- Tiny holes are created in your gumline laparoscopically. This minimally invasive approach will allow the loosening of the gum tissue so it can literally be moved backed to a more desirable position.
Look at your smile, and also your gums. Scheduling an examination and consultation are harmless.