Gum recession is a common side effect of periodontal disease, especially when the disease has progressed into the more advanced stages. Gum recession tends to happen slowly, so you might not even be aware of it until the disease has progressed. Receding gums can not only affect the appearance of your smile but they can also expose the roots of your teeth, leading to sensitivity and other potential problems. In severe cases, you could experience tooth loss.
If you have receding gums, our dentist may refer you to a trusted periodontist, Dr. Alan Jureidini. He can determine whether or not a gum graft is needed. If not, then you can still choose to have one done for cosmetic purposes, such as if the gum recession is negatively impacting your smile.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Alan Jureidini will review your gum and oral health to determine if gum surgery, also called a gum graft, is right for you. A gum graft corrects gum recession by putting healthy tissue in the areas where the gums are receding.
He will also review the success rates of gum grafting treatments, and we will only continue with the procedure if the success rates are high. We will also review expected treatment costs because we want to make sure that there are no surprises during your treatment! Dr. Alan Jureidini will also help you decide where your gum graft will come from: either from a gum tissue bank, or from the roof of your mouth. We will work with you to decide which option is most favorable.
It’s surgery day! Your gum grafting procedure should take about an hour. During the procedure, Dr. Alan Jureidini will place the gum graft into the areas where your gum tissue has receded. Dr. Alan Jureidini then uses microscope precision to stitch the grafts into place with micro stitches, ensuring that they look perfect and result in minimal scarring.
After your procedure, there will be a recovery period. You can promote healing by avoiding hard foods. Opt for soft foods such as eggs, pasta, ice cream, cheese and yogurt. Do not smoke or engage in strenuous exercise. If your dentist prescribed antibiotics, be sure to take them as instructed to avoid infection. Avoid brushing and flossing around the affected gums, but do use mouthwash to keep plaque under control.
After your procedure, we will schedule your follow-up appointment. At this visit, you will see Dr. Alan Jureidini, who will ensure that everything is healing properly, and that your body has accepted the graft. If there are any complications, we can discuss additional treatments and establish a personalized treatment plan that will bring maximum results.
