Overview
Many patients come to PDA Dental seeking quality solutions for a receding gumline. Gum (gingival) recession is a common dental problem characterized by gum tissues that have pulled away from the teeth and receded, showing the surfaces of tooth roots. Whether this condition affects only one tooth or is more widespread, it an oral issue that can impact health, comfort, and smile aesthetics. To help patients overcome the effects of gum recession and enhance the quality of their smiles, our talented periodontist performs specialized gum grafting procedures. Gum grafting replenishes receded gum tissues by adding healthy tissue samples to depleted areas and returning the gumline to a proper level on affected teeth. If gum recession has changed the way your smile looks or is placing your teeth at risk, visit our multi-specialty practice in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, NY for a gum grafting consultation.
Gum Grafting Reviews
Best Candidates
Gum recession is often the result of gum disease but may also be caused by bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching), bite misalignment, overaggressive toothbrushing, and oral piercings. Along with creating an uneven gumline and creating the look of an aging smile, gum recession also increases the risk of tooth sensitivity and root decay, along with other potential problems. A number of patients with receding gums experience minor to severe tooth sensitivity when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages as the exposed root surfaces lack the protection and strength of tooth enamel. However, patients who experience these symptoms often find relief with gum grafting services from our highly experienced periodontal specialist.
What To Expect
The goal of gum grafting is to reverse the effects of gum recession by covering exposed root surfaces with tissue samples taken from your own mouth or another healthy source (like a bone bank or synthetic material). Our trusted periodontist uses a variety of grafting techniques to meet the needs of each patient, including:
- Connective tissue grafts: As the most widely used approach, connective tissue grafts replenish the gumline using gum tissue extracted from your hard palate (the roof of your mouth), just beneath the top layer of tissue.
- Free gingival grafts: This approach sources tissue samples directly from the surface of your hard palate.
- Pedicle grafts: A pedicle graft is ideal when an abundance of tissue is present in an adjacent area. A small flap is made and stretched over the exposed root to provide coverage.
On the day of your procedure, our team will numb your treatment sites for comfort. Tissue samples will then be sutured over areas of gum recession to bring the gumline back to a proper level. Gum grafting may take place over one or more visits, depending on your individual needs. As your gums heal, the grafts will blend with your existing gum tissues for an even, healthy appearance.
Recovery
At the end of your procedure, our caring clinical team will provide instructions on how you can best take care of your mouth as your gum grafting sites heal. You may find it more comfortable to eat a diet consisting of soft foods for a few days. Nonprescription pain medication and cold compresses applied to the jaw can provide relief for any post-operative discomfort. Since grafting tissues are delicate at first, please be sure to follow our periodontist's instructions on how to care for your teeth and gums during recovery. A medicated mouth rinse may be suggested to keep plaque and oral bacteria at bay during this time. We may recommend a follow-up appointment a few weeks later so our PDA Dental team can evaluate the health of your new gumline.
Insurance Coverage
A portion of your gum grafting procedure may be covered by your dental insurance plan. To learn about your individual policy, our knowledgeable business staff will reach out to your provider and then provide you with an estimate of personal costs. At PDA Dental, we are passionate about helping all patients get the care they need, regardless of insurance coverage. Our team will gladly review your payment choices and provide you with information on special financing options through CareCredit®.
Gum Graft Surgery
Receded gums can certainly have an unsavory impact on your smile, health, and general comfort. However, with high-quality gum grafting results from our skilled periodontist, you can be well on your way to enjoying better oral wellness. Gum grafting can reduce tooth sensitivity, protect tooth roots, and return the smile to a more youthful appearance. Get the gum recession treatment you need now by scheduling a visit at PDA Dental in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, NY.