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-Castairs, 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 (also known as soft tissue grafting) is a type of oral surgery that treats severe gum recession. During gum grafting surgery, Dr. Sayre-Castairs 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.
You may be a candidate for gum grafting treatment if you experience symptoms like:
After an oral exam and a discussion of your symptoms, Dr. Sayre-Castairs can develop a treatment plan that aligns with your needs.
Dr. Sayre-Castairs offers several types of gum grafts, including:
If you have an exposed tooth root, you may benefit from a connective-tissue graft. During the procedure, Dr. Sayre-Castairs 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.
A free gingival graft is similar to a connective-tissue graft. The difference is that Dr. Sayre-Castairs 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.
If you still have healthy gums near an area of receding tissue, Dr. Sayre-Castairs 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.
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-Castairs can develop a custom treatment plan that aligns with your needs.
After a gum grafting procedure, Dr. Sayre-Castairs 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.