Gum Grafting in Nashville TN
Nashville Periodontal Group treats patients with gum recession. Receding gums occur when the gum tissue surrounding a tooth begins to wear away and expose a larger portion of the tooth. This is often the result of gum disease or insufficient dental care. Causes of receding gums are that a pocket is formed between the tooth and gum, making it easy for bacteria to build up. Because this is a gradual process, most patients do not notice the causes of receding gums until the symptoms become severe. This includes increased sensitivity in the tooth root as well as certain cosmetic problems. If left untreated, gum recession can cause severe damage to the tooth and surrounding tissue.
Gum grafting fixes receding gum lines by attaching tissue from a donor area to the gum tissue and allowing them to naturally fuse together. There are three types of gum grafting procedures:
Connective Tissue Gum Grafting – This is the most common form of gum grafting. A flap of skin is cut from the roof of the mouth so that issue can be removed from underneath. The flap is then stitched back and the removed tissue is attached to the gums. Over time, the two tissues will grow together and form a higher gum line.
Free Gingival Gum Grafting – This works the same way as a connective tissue graft, except that tissue is taken directly from the roof of the mouth, by first cutting a flap. This gum grafting procedure is typically used on patients with naturally thin gums.
Pedicle Gum Grafting – Instead of taking tissue from the roof of the mouth, this method of gum grafting takes the tissue sample directly from the gums. A flap is partially cut away and pulled up to cover the tooth’s surface. Then the tissue is sewn in place. This is used for patients who have not experienced severe tissue loss.
Because the gums are the only barrier protecting tooth roots from bacteria, it is important that receding gums be treated as early as possible. Without treatment, your teeth can become severely damaged and possibly need extraction. For more information about the gum grafting procedure, call Nashville Periodontal Group to schedule a consultation.
