Gum grafts
The benefits of gum graft therapy include a thicker gumline, reduced sensitivity to the temperature of food and drink, increased tooth protection, and of course, a healthier looking smile.
We can take a look at your gumline if you are concerned that you might need gum graft therapy. Simply fill out our contact form and we’ll be in touch shortly to set up an appointment for you or a member of your family.
Types of gum grafts we offer
There are several options when it comes to restoring the gumline:
AlloDerm® RTM
This method has been around since 1994 and has enjoyed millions of successes since its inception.
AlloDerm® RTM (Regenerative Tissue Matrix) is used to regenerate tissue without the need for harvesting tissue from the roof of the mouth. This method involves the use of donated tissue that has been sterilized to be readied for use in a process that converts the donated tissue into a neutral material that is readily accepted by the recipient.
Harvested tissue therapy
Another way we can correct a receding gum line is to harvest tissue from the top of the mouth. This tissue is then grafted onto the affected area. This method has a very high success rate.
Benefits of gum grafts
Gum grafts can restore your smile, remove or reduce sensitivity to hot and cold, and just all around make you feel better, less self-conscious, and ready to move on with your life.
They also have the benefit of blocking off access to your roots which may open the door to infection.
Gum graft FAQ
Here are some of the most common questions we get about gum graft therapy.
When can I return to work?
Gum graft therapy should not interfere with your work schedule. There may be some soreness at the harvested and grafted sites for a couple of days but this shouldn’t affect your ability to return to work within 24 hours.
How soon can I start brushing my teeth?
It is important to avoid brushing the affected area for 1 to 2 weeks. After this time we recommend brushing gently for the next week or two following the initial healing period.
What can I do to heal as fast as possible?
It is important to protect the grafted site so the tissue can heal with the existing gumline as smooth and cleanly as possible. It is best to avoid brushing the affected area for a week or two and you may be prescribed an oral rinse to aid healing.
What happens if receding gumlines are left untreated?
The more a tooth’s root becomes exposed the higher the sensitivity to hot and cold.
A receding gumline can also lead to bacteria forming at the base of a tooth and/or eventually lead to infection of the root, which may lead to losing the tooth.
How soon after I’ve had gum grafts can I start eating?
Soft foods such as pudding or mashed vegetables are better for the first few days. We may give you a list of foods to avoid after the procedure.
It is recommended to avoid chewing on the side where we’ve restored your gum tissue. This may not always be possible but can certainly help the healing process.
What are the causes of receding gums?
There are various causes of gum line recession. These include: untreated periodontal disease, such as gingivitis, genetic factors, ageing, smoking, and aggressive brushing.
- Neglected dental care. Good oral health requires regular flossing and brushing. If this isn’t done plaque can form and harden on your teeth. Bacteria can cause infections that attack the gums slowly over time, causing gum disease, which is the number one cause of gumline recession.
- Genetics. Sometimes gum recession is caused by genetic factors. Even in these cases gum grafts can help.
- Brushing with too much force. If you brush your teeth too vigorously it can slowly wear down your gums.
- Teeth grinding. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can cause unnecessary force upon your teeth and gumline which leads to recession.
- Smoking. People who smoke are at a higher risk of plaque hardening on their teeth. This can lead to gum disease, as mentioned above.
- Oral piercings. The presence of jewelry embedded into the tongue, lips, or cheek can cause wear and tear on the gumline.
- Misaligned bite. If force is distributed unevenly across your teeth it can put unwanted pressure on the gumline which adds up over time.
- Hormonal changes. Women undergo many hormonal changes in their lives that can lead to gumline sensitivity. This increases the likelihood of gum disease.
We want to meet you
At Capital Dental Centre we’ve been doing this for a long time. Nothing makes us happier than seeing our patients smiling again when their confidence is restored after the work is done!
If you think it may be time for us to examine your receding gum line, simply fill out the contact form and one of our team members will reach out to you to set up an appointment.
