Am I a Good Candidate for a Gum Graft? | Periodontics, Wichita, Kansas

You may be wondering, “How do I know if I need a gum graph?” The simple answer to this question is that you will likely begin to see or feel the gum recession. For most patients, exposed tooth roots can make them look overly long and can even differ in coloration. Generally, your gums may appear darker than your stark-white crown, becoming an indication that you may benefit from a gum graft procedure. Because gum recession can also increase with age, it is important to schedule routine checkups with your dental care provider to ensure you are keeping your smile healthy! If your dentist detects gum recession and believes that you are a good candidate for a gum graft, they will then refer you to a dentist experienced in periodontics in Wichita, who will then perform the procedure.

Inside your mouth, your gum tissue forms a barrier that resists the effects of eating, chewing, and biting but may eventually begin to recede or shrink for several different reasons. Some of the most common causes of gum recession include the following:

Poor Oral Hygiene—Both inadequate brushing and excessive brushing can lead to additional gum recession as inadequate brushing fails to remove dental plaque and excessive brushing eventually begins to erode the gum tissue. To avoid furthering your chances of developing gum recession, practice good oral hygiene daily!
Gum Irritation—Many times, foreign objects in the mouth can lead to gum recession when they come in contact or rub against the gums. Examples of this can be seen through poorly fitting removable dentures, retainers, tongue bolts, and even fingernails.
Age—The natural aging process plays a role in the development of gum recession and can lead to “longer”-looking teeth.

After undergoing a thorough evaluation and consultation with your periodontist, you may be recommended to have a gingival graft procedure to treat your gum recession. Because there are a variety of gum grafts available (free gingival graft, connective tissue graft, and pedicle graft) and the type of surgery you undergo depends on the extent and severity of gum damage, your periodontist will help you decide which option is most suitable for you. Once you have decided which procedure you prefer, all you have to do is schedule and show up to your appointment!

Not only is a gum graft procedure relatively simple, but the recovery process is rather quick and pain-free as well. Prior to the procedure, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area of operation. In total, the procedure will take around 45 minutes to complete. While you should experience little-to-no discomfort during the recovery process, any pain can be alleviated with over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medication. You will be able to resume normal activities after the initial healing period and should continue practicing good oral hygiene for best results.