Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Smiling with receding gums can make you feel self-conscious, especially during social gatherings. Furthermore, you may feel increased sensitivity because of your receding gums. Fortunately, a gum graft procedure can help restore your smile. Today on the blog, our Greeneville cosmetic dentists at Tusculum Dental Care share information about when a gum graft is necessary and how it can benefit your oral health.
What is a gum graft?
A gum graft is a procedure that involves removing tissue from other mouth locations and placing it over receded gum areas. During the process, patients receive numbing medication to ensure their comfort. Then, our Greeneville dentists that offer gum graft procedures use state-of-the-art dental lasers to perform the surgery. Using laser technology allows minimal bleeding, reduced infection risk, and less patient discomfort after the procedure. However, most patients report some gum tenderness where the treatment occurred, so we recommend a diet consisting of cool, soft foods after this surgery and for up to a week. After your procedure, our knowledgeable staff will provide post-operative instructions for the proper care of your mouth.
What can I expect from a gum graft?
A gum graft can provide multiple benefits to your oral health. First, our Jonesboro family dentists explain that a gum graft helps repair damaged gum tissue and safeguards against other gum issues like gum disease. Additionally, a gum graft can prevent additional gum recession, prevent root decay caused by gum recession, and diminish increased teeth sensitivity caused by receding gums. Furthermore, a gum graft can restore an even-looking gum line that helps improve your smile’s overall appearance.
Is a gum graft the right treatment for me?
Tusculum Dental Care’s general policy is to attempt to stop gum recession through other treatments before performing a gum graft. Additionally, gum graft treatment is for patients with severe receding gums that have not responded to previous treatments. Therefore, one of our Erwin dentists that administers gum grafts will conduct a thorough oral health examination and medical history evaluation before deciding if a gum graft is right for you.
Can I prevent the need for a gum graft?
In short, yes. At least in some cases. Taking everyday action to prevent receding gums by establishing and maintaining a comprehensive at-home oral health regimen can help reduce your gum recession risk. Therefore, our dentists recommend brushing twice a day and flossing once daily and visiting our Greeneville dental office twice a year for an oral health examination and a professional cleaning. Moreover, those who use tobacco products are at a higher gum recession risk. So, our dentists encourage tobacco cessation for better oral and overall health. And, if you have gum disease, get it treated to prevent further damage to your gums.
Gum Grafts in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee
Although your smile may not be perfect with receding gums, there is a procedure that can restore your smile and self-confidence. Additionally, it can help protect sensitive tooth roots and bacteria-prone pockets from future oral health damage. If you or a family member has receding gums, with or without sensitivity, feel free to contact our Jonesboro dentists that offer gum graft treatment at Tusculum Dental Care. Please call (423) 639-7575 or contact us online to schedule your initial gum graft consultation today.