Advanced forms of gum disease such as periodontitis cause serious damage that must be managed with care from a qualified periodontist. Even after the infection has been resolved, it may be necessary to perform restorative treatments to rebuild lost soft tissue structure. Here’s a brief guide to how gum grafting works and how these procedures can be performed.
Why Can Gum Grafts Be Necessary?
Gum disease often starts out imperceptibly small, but it will eventually develop into a seriously destructive infection if it is allowed to progress. While the early stage of gingivitis can usually be reversed with proper oral hygiene, the advanced stage of periodontitis causes permanent damage such as gumline recession and must be managed with regular periodontal care. After addressing the disease, your dentist may recommend using gum grafts to rebuild the damaged tissue.
How Are Gum Grafts Performed?
Gum grafts are minor surgical procedures that involve using donated soft oral tissue to reinforce damaged gums. This is usually done by taking tissue from one area of the mouth and encouraging it to integrate with a part of the gums that has been compromised by infection, which can help keep your teeth stable and reduce their likelihood of being lost. A few common types of gum grafts include:
- Subepithelial connective tissue grafts: These treatments work by taking donor tissue from the roof of the mouth and stitching it to the gums to protect the roots of teeth exposed by infections. This can address issues like sensitivity and shelter teeth against decay-causing bacteria.
- Free gingival grafts: These procedures involve taking tissue from the top of the mouth and applying it to damaged areas of the gumline. This treatment is often used to make precise adjustments that can reinforce thinning or receding gums or even to address cosmetic concerns.
- Acellular dermal matrix allograft: These grafts are performed using sterilized human connective tissue to eliminate the risk of rejection and germ contamination.
Gum grafts can be an excellent way to restore the structure of your gums after advanced infection. During your consultation, your periodontist will determine the best treatment for you.
About the Author
Dr. Marcos E. Garcia earned his dental degree and completed his postgraduate training in periodontics at the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston. He is proud to be a member of the American Academy of Periodontology and the Texas Dental Association. His office in Corpus Christi offers surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy, dental implant services, and sedation treatments. To learn more about gum grafts, contact his office online or dial (361) 992-7641.