Gum Graft Surgery Torrance
A Solution for Gum Recession
Do your teeth look longer than they used to? This could be a sign that you’re experiencing gum recession, which is a condition where the gums pull away from the teeth. Not only can this make your teeth more sensitive, but it can also increase your risk for tooth decay. Luckily, our reliable periodontist Dr. Galvan can help reverse the effects of gum recession with gum graft surgery. If you’re interested in learning more about this procedure, give us a call today.
Why Choose Blue Coast Dental Group for Gum Graft Surgery?
- Knowledgeable Periodontist with Advanced Training
- Office That Utilizes the Latest Technology
- A Dental Team That You Can Trust
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession is one of the many consequences of gum disease that isn’t treated in time. The bacteria that cause gum disease can attack the gum and bone tissue around the teeth. When this tissue is lost, the gums will start to shrink, thereby exposing the tooth roots.
Of course, there are other possible causes of gum recession, such as brushing your teeth more aggressively than you need to, using tobacco products of any kind, or unconscious grinding of the teeth.
How Does Gum Graft Surgery Work?
The idea behind gum graft surgery is simple: new tissue is transplanted to the areas where the gum tissue was lost. This ensures that the roots of your teeth are once again properly protected.
There are multiple kinds of gum graft surgery that may be performed depending on your needs:
- Connective Tissue Grafts: The tissue for this type of graft is normally taken from the deep layers in your palate so that it can be attached to the area affected by gum recession.
- Free Gingival Grafts: This type of graft may be the best option if you have particularly thin gums. The tissue will be taken from the roof of the mouth.
- Pedicle Grafting: If there’s enough tissue near the area where recession has occurred, we can create a flap in the gums and pull it over in order to cover the tooth.
Aftercare Tips for Gum Graft Surgery
Our team will make sure that you’re prepared for the recovery process following your gum graft surgery by giving you a list of aftercare instructions. Here are a few of the steps you’ll need to follow:
- Take any prescribed pain medication according to the directions provided.
- If there’s any swelling, you can keep it down with a cold compress.
- Plan on only eating soft foods for a while, and stay away from anything that’s particularly spicy.
- When you lie down to rest or go to sleep, make sure that your head stays elevated.
- Avoid touching the surgical site.
- If you notice any unusual symptoms, call our office immediately so that our team can advise you on what to do next.
Gum Graft Surgery FAQs
Does gum grafting hurt?
For many patients, their first question about gum graft surgery in Torrance is whether the procedure will hurt. The good news is that in most cases, your gum graft will be performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel a thing. Once it wears off, you can expect some mild discomfort, however this can be easily treated with an OTC or prescription pain reliever. Your dentist will also provide you with a complete list of aftercare instructions to help you mitigate any discomfort and heal as quickly as possible.
How long will my gum graft last?
Depending on your individual oral hygiene, your gum graft surgery in Torrance could potentially last a lifetime. However, to ensure that it remains in good condition for as long as possible, it is important to adhere as closely as possible to the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist. Furthermore, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and quitting bad oral habits like smoking and using tobacco products can also make a significant impact on the longevity of your results.
Am I a good candidate for gum grafting?
The best person to determine whether you are a good candidate for gum graft surgery in Torrance is your dentist. However, theoretically this procedure could improve your smile if you have otherwise healthy teeth and gums, but your gum tissue has receded to the point where your tooth’s roots are exposed.
If you have any pre-existing conditions such as gum disease or uncontrolled diabetes, these will need to be addressed first to ensure the success of your gum graft. Your dentist can discuss your exact treatment plan during your gum grafting consultation.
What is the purpose of a gum graft?
Gum graft surgery in Torrance is designed to restore areas of periodontal tissue that have receded to the point that your tooth roots are exposed. By replacing lost tissue, your gums can be more effective when protecting your teeth from plaque and bacteria. Gum grafts also restore the appearance of your smile, allowing further repairs to the soft and hard tissues in your mouth to be more successful.