Gum Grafting services offered in San Luis Obispo, CA
When chronic periodontitis is left untreated, it can cause gum recession. And, unfortunately, gum tissue doesn’t grow back. However, there are ways to restore your beautiful smile and prevent additional oral health complications. Lynn Sayre-Carstairs, DMD, uses gum grafting (also known as soft tissue grafting) to treat the effects of gum recession and encourage optimal oral health. To schedule an appointment for gum grafting treatment, call the Coast Periodontics and Laser Surgery office in San Luis Obispo, California, or book online today.
Gum Grafting Q & A
What is gum grafting?
Gum grafting (also known as soft tissue grafting) is a type of oral surgery that treats severe gum recession. During gum grafting surgery, Dr. Sayre-Carstairs removes healthy tissue from another part of your mouth and stitches it over the receding gum tissue. Over time, the graft fuses with your gums, restoring your smile and preventing further recession.
Who can benefit from gum grafting treatment?
You may be a candidate for gum grafting treatment if you experience symptoms like:
- Persistent bad breath
- Red, puffy, or swollen gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Gums that pull away from your teeth
- Sensitive teeth
After an oral exam and a discussion of your symptoms, Dr. Sayre-Carstairs can develop a treatment plan that aligns with your needs.
What types of gum grafts are available?
Dr. Sayre-Carstairs offers several types of gum grafts, including:
Connective-tissue grafts
If you have an exposed tooth root, you may benefit from a connective-tissue graft. During the procedure, Dr. Sayre-Carstairs cuts a small flap in the roof of your mouth. Then, she carefully removes a piece of tissue from underneath the flap and stitches it over your exposed tooth root.
Free gingival grafts
A free gingival graft is similar to a connective-tissue graft. The difference is that Dr. Sayre-Carstairs removes a healthy piece of tissue directly from the roof of your mouth. Afterward, she stitches the flap of skin over an area of receding gum tissue.
Pedicle grafts
If you still have healthy gums near an area of receding tissue, Dr. Sayre-Carstairs may recommend a pedicle graft. During a pedicle graft, she cuts a flap in your healthy gum tissue. Then, she stretches the flap over your receding tissue and sews it in place.
What types of gum grafting might benefit me?
The type of gum grafting that will most benefit you depends on various factors, including the severity of your infection and if you have any remaining healthy gum tissue. After an oral exam and a series of oral X-rays, Dr. Sayre-Carstairs can develop a custom treatment plan that aligns with your needs.
What is recovery like after a gum grafting procedure?
After a gum grafting procedure, Dr. Sayre-Carstairs writes you a prescription for antibiotics and pain medication. In the first few days of recovery, it’s important to get quality rest, drink plenty of water, and take your medication as prescribed. Eat only soft foods like yogurt, soup, or cottage cheese for the first few days.
It typically takes a week or two for your mouth to heal completely, but you can return to work and perform other normal activities within 48 hours.
To explore the benefits of gum grafting treatment, call the Coast Periodontics and Laser Surgery office in San Luis Obispo, California, or book online today.