Restore your balanced smile and prevent tooth loss with connective tissue grafting at the specialist’s office.

The gums that surround and protect your teeth should provide a good seal. So, healthy gums conform to the teeth. They are not recessed, with spaces or pockets between the teeth and gums. Fortunately, your gums and teeth are vulnerable to further damage due to gum recession and periodontal/gum disease. In that case, the Periodontal Center of Georgia in Conyers has an entire category of treatments to restore your healthiest, most attractive gumline: grafting. Connective tissue grafts are the most common of the three grafting techniques or methods.

What are gum grafts in the first place?

This treatment generally involves taking tissue from one part of the mouth and transferring it to the thin or recessed part of the gumline. Receding gums can indicate progressive and destructive gum disease. Not only does this red flag for disease threaten the health of your teeth and supportive bone, but it can also result in a “long in the tooth” appearance to your smile. Also, the tissue for the graft may be derived from synthetic or other donor sources as appropriate.

What makes the connective tissue graft different from other types of grafts?

This common approach involves taking a small amount of connective tissue from under a flap of skin made in the roof or palate of the mouth. Once this tissue is accessed, the flap is closed and the graft is secured to the recessed area to cover up exposed tooth roots. Alternative methods include the free graft and pedicle graft. The former technique involves transferring tissue from the palate directly to the recessed gumline without making a flap. It is most appropriate for patients with very thin gums. The pedicle gingival graft is best for those with healthy tissue near the exposed roots. This gum tissue is repositioned or pulled down or over to cover up the roots of the teeth, effectively resolving this risk factor for decay and tooth loss.

What can I expect from treatment?

Well, all treatments start with our specialists, Drs Jean-Max Jean-Pierre and Robert Creager, evaluating the condition and tissue availability. We can then determine the best technique based on what we find and factors such as the severity of gum loss. All grafting procedures generally involve administering local anesthesia to numb the treatment areas. To support the best possible experience, we can also discuss sedative options during your consultation. Once fully numbed and relaxed, the tissues are accessed and transferred/repositioned as appropriate. Any incisions are closed, and gauze/dressing is applied to protect the site.

How do I care for my mouth afterward?

The Periodontal Center of Georgia will review all instructions for after-care with you. It’s not unusual to experience a little temporary soreness. We can advise on medications and habits to manage tenderness and promote healthy healing. Take it easy (no strenuous exercise or heavy lifting) and gradually incorporate soft foods into your diet over the week following treatment. Initially, it is generally advised to stick to smooth and cold foods (like yogurt and smoothies). Be sure to maintain any follow-up appointments at our center in Conyers, Georgia. So, our periodontists can ensure that the grafts are healing properly. With good oral care over the long term, no further treatments are necessary as your healthy, appealing gumline is restored and sustained.

Call at (770) 767-0603 to schedule your evaluation today.