Medically Reviewed By: Elizabeth Felts Randall, DMD, MS
Gingival grafting is a surgical procedure that treats gum disease by replacing receding or thin gums with healthy tissue. The grafts protect a patient’s tooth roots from decay and promote better oral health. At Chattanooga Periodontics & Dental Implants, Dr. Randall tailors treatment plans for each patient. She may use gingival grafting to restore a patient’s gum health and make their smile more appealing.
How Does Gum Disease Lead to Gum Recession?
Gum inflammation can lead to gum recession if left untreated and progresses to periodontitis, or advanced gum disease. Toxins from bacteria in plaque irritate gum tissue, causing it to pull away, or recede, from a patient’s teeth and form bacteria-filled pockets. Gum recession can lead to:
- Bone deterioration
- Exposed tooth roots
- Loose teeth
- Tooth decay
- Tooth loss
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
What Are the Benefits of Gingival Grafting?
A gingival graft prompts blood vessels to grow into the graft and helps it integrate with the surrounding tissue. Gingival grafting benefits a patient’s gum health, teeth, and the esthetics of their smile in these ways:
- Replaces missing gum tissue – A small amount of new tissue, usually taken from the patient’s palate, is applied to areas of thin or receding gums.
- Decreases teeth sensitivity – The patient will feel less sensitivity when new and surrounding gum tissue interlock over exposed tooth roots.
- Reduces risk of cavities – Healthy gums protect tooth roots against bacteria buildup and decay.
- Relieves gum tenderness – Tenderness from irritated or gum tissue will resolve with new tissue growth.
- Reduce the risk of gum disease – Strengthening thin or weak gum tissue helps prevent infection and recurring disease.
- Improves a patient’s smile – Covering exposed roots resolves concerns about teeth that look long and aged.
When patients ignore minor gum recession, it will likely progress and lead to bone loss around teeth. Dr. Randall helps patients stop the progression of gum recession.
When Might a Patient Need a Gingival Graft?
If Dr. Randall recommends a gingival graft, she will complete the procedure after controlling gum disease. A patient’s gum disease treatment plan may involve a combination of treatments, such as:
- Scaling and root planing
- Laser gum disease treatment
- Osseous periodontal surgery
- Gingival grafting
- Bone regeneration procedures
Therefore, gingival gum grafting is one aspect of gum disease treatment and can help patients achieve better treatment outcomes.
Request a Consultation or Exam with Chattanooga Gum Specialists
Patients in Chattanooga, Tennessee, concerned about gum recession can contact Dr. Randall, our experienced periodontist. Chattanooga Periodontics & Dental Implants is a fourth-generation family business offering accurate diagnoses and advanced treatment options for gum health. We invite patients to call or complete our contact form to request an exam or a consultation today. Visit our Gum Recession Treatments page for more information on our periodontist’s treatment techniques.
