Protecting your teeth and restoring a healthy, bright smile are essential components of everything we do at Willamette Valley Periodontics. Our skilled periodontist and implant dentist, Dr. Colin Graser, and his team offer solutions for gum recession to address its impact on both your oral health and the beauty of your smile. When your gum tissue pulls away from the tooth surface, exposing the roots, a gum graft (also known as a gingival graft) may be recommended to protect your teeth and restore your gumline.
Our periodontal practice in McMinnville uses advanced technologies to complete gentle, precise gum graft surgeries, delivered with your best smile in mind!
Why Are Gum Grafts Needed?
Gum recession, when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth surface and exposes the roots, can occur for various reasons. Common culprits include aggressive brushing with too much force or a hard-bristled toothbrush, which can wear away delicate gum tissue. Periodontal disease, an advanced form of gum disease, can also destroy the supporting tissues and bone, resulting in gum recession. Other common contributing factors to receding gums include:
- Genetics
- Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)
- Tobacco use
- Naturally thin gum tissue
When tooth roots become exposed due to recession, our patients may experience increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweets because the root surfaces lack the protective enamel of the crown. The teeth may begin to look "long" or uneven, impacting your smile's overall appearance. Exposed roots are also at a higher risk of root decay since they are more vulnerable than enamel. Untreated gum recession can sometimes contribute to an increased risk of bone loss around the affected teeth, and even leave the root surface exposed, prone to abrasion or erosion.
Gum Grafting at Willamette Valley Periodontics
During your consultation, your periodontist will discuss the gum graft procedure for you in detail and provide a treatment plan designed to meet your specific needs. The primary goals of the gum graft procedure are typically to cover the exposed root, enhance the thickness of the gum tissue, and improve the overall health and appearance of your gumline.
The most common method of gum graft surgery is the connective tissue graft. This involves a small piece of tissue taken from under the surface layer of the roof of your mouth (palate) and then carefully stitched to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root. The top layer of tissue on the palate is left intact, making the healing there more comfortable.
Dr. Graser and his team may also offer an Alloderm® (Donor Tissue Graft), utilizing sterile, donated tissue that has been processed to remove all cellular material, leaving behind a natural collagen scaffold. This eliminates the need for a second surgical site in the mouth, which can be appealing to many patients. Your body's cells then use this scaffold to regenerate new gum tissue.
How We Prioritize Your Comfort
Gum graft procedures are performed with your comfort in mind, typically under local anesthesia. We also offer a selection of sedation options to support enhanced relaxation during your procedure.
While you may experience some mild discomfort, tenderness, or swelling in the treated areas (both the graft site and the donor site, if applicable) afterward, any discomfort can be well-managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medication. Our team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to promote optimal healing, including guidance on diet, oral hygiene, and activity restrictions for the initial healing phase.
The ultimate goal of a gum graft is to improve the health and appearance of your smile. Our team will work to restore your gumline, protect your teeth from sensitivity and decay, and enhance the natural beauty of your smile.
Reclaim Your Smile from Gum Recession
If you are concerned about receding gums, contact Willamette Valley Periodontics today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Graser and his team in McMinnville will assess your needs and determine if a gum graft is the right procedure for your smile!
