Gum Grafting For Advanced Gum Recession
Everyone deserves to feel confident in their smile, but concerns about receding gums can affect both the appearance of your smile and your oral health. Gum recession can cause the teeth to appear longer than they once did and may expose portions of the tooth roots, potentially contributing to sensitivity and an increased risk of root decay.
If you have experienced gum recession, gum grafting may be recommended to restore lost gum tissue and protect exposed tooth roots. Because receded gum tissue generally does not grow back on its own, grafting can help rebuild the gumline, protect vulnerable areas of the teeth, and improve the overall appearance of your smile.
Depending on your individual needs and the type of procedure being performed, grafting material may come from tissue taken from another area of your mouth, donated human tissue, or other biocompatible grafting materials. Dr. Preston Hamrick can evaluate your gum health and determine which approach may be appropriate for your needs.
As a Greenville native and fourth-generation dentist, Dr. Hamrick is proud to continue his family’s tradition of serving the community. He takes the time to build personal relationships with his patients, understand their individual needs and goals, and provide care tailored to their oral health.
Read on to learn more about gum grafting, or call Heritage Dentistry today at 864.292.5125 to schedule a consultation or learn more about our other dental services.
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Treating Gum Disease
Although no one wants to be told that they have gum disease, identifying this issue is a good thing because it means you can take steps to correct it and avoid experiencing the negative effects of advanced gum disease, which can include the loss of teeth and deterioration of the jawbone. Although there is no cure for gum disease, there are periodontal therapy options that can halt and slow its effects, in addition to gum grafting, which include:
- Medications: Bacterial infections are sometimes treated with antibiotics.
- Prescription Rinses: Antiseptic rinses can be a helpful addition to your daily oral health routine to reduce your risk of gum disease.
- Scale and Root Planing: Gum disease in its earlier stages can often be halted with a scale and root planing procedure. Similar to a standard dental cleaning, though slightly more invasive, the scale and root planing procedure begins with administration of a local anesthetic to reduce your sensitivity. Next, the bacteria, tartar, and plaque are removed from the periodontal pockets, and the roots of the teeth are smoothed to inhibit further growth and give your gums an opportunity to heal.
- Flap Surgery: If the scale and root planing procedure does not remove enough of the bacteria, tartar, and plaque, flap surgery may be necessary. To access the tooth roots and remove the bacteria, tartar, and plaque, the gums are surgically pulled back and, once the area is cleaned, sutured shut.
Gum Grafting Procedure
The gum grafting process begins with an initial consultation with Dr. Hamrick, who will conduct a thorough oral examination to determine whether gum grafting is an appropriate treatment option for you and the underlying cause of your gum recession. If gum grafting is the optimal treatment option, your next appointment will begin with Dr. Hamrick numbing the area to reduce or eliminate discomfort. Dental sedation will also be available to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Next, Dr. Hamrick will place the graft over the area of recession and suture it in place, after which the procedure will be complete.
Healing Process and Maintenance
It is common to experience some discomfort following your gum graft procedure, especially if the grafting material is taken from the roof of your mouth, but this can typically be managed with OTC pain-relieving medication, ice packs, and rest. Eating soft foods, avoiding strenuous exercise, and avoiding the treatment site following the procedure are recommended to speed up the healing process and avoid complications.
Following a gum graft, it is also important to follow good oral hygiene habits to avoid needing similar treatments in the future. Be sure to continue brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and avoid use of tobacco. We also encourage our clients to schedule regular dental cleanings at least every six months to ensure the health and sustained brightness of your smile. In addition to giving your teeth a professional cleaning, these visits are also an opportunity for Dr. Preston Hamrick to evaluate your overall oral health, as he looks for any indications of gum disease or any other underlying issue that may require treatment. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy a bright, white, healthy smile for many years to come.
Cost of Gum Grafting
The total cost of gum grafting will depend in part on the number of appointments necessary, whether additional treatment is needed, and the type of graft used. For patients with dental insurance, the total cost of gum grafting will depend on whether the procedure is covered under your plan, and if so, how much is covered. Our staff is happy to review your coverage to determine whether your plan does cover gum grafting and ensure you maximize your benefits and have minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
If you are a patient at our practice and do not have dental insurance, consider joining our membership club. Because we value your loyalty, we have launched this club to help save you money on treatment and simplify payments for preventative care. We offer three levels of membership: child, adult, and perio membership. Professional dental cleanings, doctor exams, necessary X-rays, and a 5% discount on all other treatment (some exclusions apply) are included in all membership packages.
You can sign up today and start saving money on treatment online or call us at (864) 292-5125.
For your convenience, we accept all forms of credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
Fall in Love with Your Smile Again
At Heritage Dentistry in Greenville, South Carolina, we are committed to providing exceptional, relationship-based dental care centered around each patient’s individual needs and goals. With a comprehensive range of restorative and implant dentistry options, our team can help you explore solutions designed to support your oral health and restore the function and appearance of your smile.
To schedule a consultation and determine whether you may be a candidate for gum grafting, contact our Greenville dental team today at (684) 292-5125.
Learn More About Our Services
- All on 4 Dental Implants
- Bone Grafting
- Children's Dentistry
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Dental Bonding
- Dental Bridge
- Dental Cleanings
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Exams
- Dental Fillings
- Dental Implants
- Dentist
- Dentures
- Family Dentistry
- Full Mouth Dental Implants
- Gum Contouring
- Gum Grafting
- Implant Supported Dentures
- Invisalign
- Periodontal Therapy
- Porcelain Veneers
- Root Canals
- Scale and Root Planing
- Sedation Dentistry
- Teeth Whitening
- Tooth Extractions