Gum Grafting Alternatives
Before we can address alternatives to gum grafting, we need to understand what the procedure is and why it would be considered necessary. Let’s start with attempting to put a value on your smile. Your smile is the foundation for your personality. It is the cornerstone in establishing your self-esteem and your self-confidence. One smile projects who you are in either a personal or professional situation.
The perception of the quality of your smile starts with the condition of your teeth. We all know the ideal set of teeth. White, straight with no flaws like cracks or chips. What most folks don’t realize is the presentation of the teeth needs balance from healthy gums. Gum grafting has not only visual objectives but health concerns as well.
What are the Causes that Create Gum Grafting?
Gum recession is a very common oral issue for people as they age. There can be different reasons causing the receding gums. The main causes are periodontal disease, which is gum disease, smoking, diabetes, your genetics and simply poor oral hygiene. Something as simple as being too aggressive with a firm-bristled toothbrush can result in your gums receding. Gum recession can easily affect over 12% of the adult population. Not only does it affect your smile, but it can cause health problems with the exposed tooth roots. It can lead to tooth loss.
The Gum Grafting Procedure
The most common source for the grafting tissue is the roof or palette of your mouth. There are several different places the periodontist can go to remove excess tissue to use for the graft. That tissue is then surgically attached to the gum area that is being treated. The procedure results in reducing bone loss and tooth sensitivity. It will also bring your smile back into balance.
Alternatives to Gum Grafting
The healing process can be somewhat painful after having gum grafting. You are to follow strict instructions as you deal with the dressing in place. Several alternatives that can be considered first are as follows:
Scaling and Root Planing- If there is a buildup of plaque and tartar on the roots it can be removed through scaling and planing. Once this damaging plaque is gone the health of the surrounding gum tissue will quickly improve and might take care of some of the recession naturally.
Regeneration- A procedure that addresses the root before anything is done with the soft tissue. A bone graft is done first to stymie bone loss then the gums will be dealt with.
Gum Contouring- A suggested alternative to gum grafting if the gum recession isn’t too deep and irregular. After the application of a local anesthetic either a scalpel or a laser will be used to reshape the gumline. The benefit of the laser is it cauterizes the incision immediately improving the healing time. This method will improve your smile.
Pinhole Surgical Technique- Small holes are made in your gumline laparoscopically. This minimally invasive procedure allows the loosening of the tissue to be moved backed to an appropriate position.
Take a minute to look at your smile, and your gums. Consider a consultation if you have exposed roots.
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