Is a receding gum line holding you back from smiling without a second thought? Many of our patients experience gum recession, which can lead to various oral health issues and, unfortunately, a less-than-perfect smile. Because we believe that a healthy, beautiful smile is essential to your overall well-being, we offer advanced gum grafting in Denver to:
Gingival grafting, also called “gum grafting”, is a surgical procedure that we offer to help you restore your smile if you’ve been affected by gum recession. In severe cases of gum disease, the gums pull away from your teeth, which can cause serious damage to the underlying support structure of your teeth. Gingival grafting is used to avoid this issue, and restore your gums and the health of your teeth. It’s commonly used alongside other periodontal treatments like antibiotics and LANAP laser therapy to halt and reverse the effects of periodontal disease.
The process itself is quite simple. We essentially take oral tissue from one part of your body and moving it to another. To begin the process, we clean your mouth and numb it to ensure your comfort. Then, our team at Poulos, Somers & Marshall will use advanced surgical tools to remove a small amount of oral tissue from the roof of your mouth (palate)–this is the tissue that will be used to rebuild your gums. Once the tissue has been removed, we will attach it to your gum tissue, and graft it into place. Over time, this new tissue will heal and bond with your surrounding gum tissue. This stimulates the production of new gum tissue, which restores your gums and your teeth, and reverses the effects of gum recession.
Not only does gingival grafting restore your oral health, but it also restores the appearance of your smile! Gum recession can make your teeth look longer and disproportionate to the rest of your mouth, which may result in self-confidence issues when you smile or speak.
Gingival grafts are necessary if your gums are receding. This is usually caused by gum disease, but can also be caused by things like overly-aggressive brushing with a stiff toothbrush, which can cause the gum tissue to deteriorate over time.
Gum recession is a very serious issue, and it’s more than just cosmetic. You see, the upper layers of your teeth are made of very hard materials called “enamel” and “dentin.” Together, they protect the inside of your tooth from damage, and they are very strong and durable. But below the gum line, your teeth are composed of “cementum,” which is a much softer and less durable material.
This is not normally a big deal, because the cementum is completely covered up by the gum tissue. However, when your gums recede, the cementum is exposed. Because it’s less durable and strong, it’s more prone to damage and decay, which can lead to further complications like tooth infections.
Gum recession can be a serious issue, but it doesn't have to be a permanent problem. We offer advanced gum grafting procedures to restore your gum line and protect your teeth.
It will take about a week or two for your gums to completely heal after your gum grafting procedure. You'll be able to go home shortly after the procedure has been completed. However, if you needed additional sedation, then you will need to get a ride home afterwards as you won't be able to drive safely.
We will give you detailed instructions on what to expect and how to care for your gums during your healing period. But, the most important thing for you to know is to not disturb your gums so they can heal. You will need to stick to soft foods for a minimum of a week. Foods and drinks that are too hot or too cold should also be avoided. Since you won't be able to brush or floss until your gums, you will be prescribed an antibacterial mouthwash that you will swish around your mouth.
Your gums may feel tender or painful for a few days, which can be relieved with anti-inflammatory pain medication. You should also rest for at least 48 hours and abstain from strenuous physical activity. If you notice any persistent bleeding that won’t stop after you’ve applied pressure for at least 20 minutes, please contact our Denver practice right away.
Yes! Gingival grafting is permanent solution. Your gums will bond with the grafted tissue and regrow permanently, reversing the effects of gum recession and protecting your teeth from further damage. As long as you take proper care of your teeth and gums after surgery, you will not need to have another gingival graft in the future.
Because policies and insurance plans vary, the only way to know how much of your gum grafting will be covered by insurance is to contact your provider directly. Many insurance policies do cover gum grafting at least partially or entirely, while other insurance policies won’t cover it at all. However, we do offer financing options for patients with no or limited insurance coverage so you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to pay for necessary dental treatments!
The duration of your procedure will depend on the extent of your gum recession and the type of graft we use. However, most of our gum grafting procedures take between one and two hours.
Yes, gum grafting can often be combined with other procedures, such as dental implants or crown lengthening. If you need more than one procedure, our team will help you create a treatment plan to suit your smile's needs and give you the most hassle-free surgery possible.
If you wear dentures you may need to wait a few weeks before wearing them again, as your gums will need time to graft and heal completely. Once healed, you'll be able to wear your dentures normally.
Are you tired of hiding your smile because of receding gums? What about the discomfort it brings? Whatever is motivating you to consider gum grafting in Denver, we can help. Our team knows that it's more than just a procedure; it's a step towards a healthier, more confident you! Schedule a consultation today to discuss how gum grafting can benefit you.
