Learn More About Gum Grafting

If you have receding gums, you should act quickly to resolve the issue through gum grafting. While receding gums may not seem like a major issue on the surface, the process of tissue pulling away from the teeth can cause damage to supporting bone. While gum recession is common and affects 4-12% of adults, it can often go unnoticed until it becomes severe, and can result in tooth loss if left untreated. Our board-certified periodontist is specially trained to treat gums and has years of experience performing gum grafting for patients successfully. Not only does gum grafting improve the health of your gums – it also preserves your smile. At our practice we are committed to improve the overall health of our patients so they can live their lives without oral concerns for years to come.

Common Causes of Gum Recession

There are several reasons why your gums may be receding. While it’s true that poor oral hygiene can contribute to gum recession, as poor brushing habits leave behind dental plaque and excessive brushing can erode the tissue, people who practice good oral hygiene habits can also be affected.

Common causes include:

• Genetics: Some people have inherited factors that can contribute to gum recession, such as gum thickness and the positioning of their teeth.
• Physical wear of gums from hard bristles: Applying pressure with a toothbrush that has hard bristles can recede the gums over time.
• Misaligned teeth
• Damage from dental treatment
• Lip and tongue piercings, and even dentures, which can rub up against the gums

Health Benefits of a Gum Grafting

Gum grafting solves aesthetic problems and structural concerns caused by gum recession.

• Gum grafting treatment procedures are a proven, effective and desirable procedure to have your gums and teeth looking more gorgeous and appealing. 
• Gum issues often have both health and aesthetic consequences. Gum tissue grafts create a healthy and protective gumline while also improving the overall appearance of teeth that may have appeared to be too long.
• Gum recession is defined by loss bone loss in addition to gum loss. With enough recession, the tooth becomes unstable and may require removal. Gum grafting helps avoid this.
• Gum tissue grafts have been shown to not only provide for long-term tooth protection, but also to regenerate bone growth.