Millions of people have gum recession and it gets worse slowly without any symptoms until it’s really bad. We’ve helped many patients in North York get their gums back to health through gum grafting procedures that fix both functional and aesthetic problems. This involves moving healthy gum tissue to where the gums have receded and exposed the roots of the teeth. This makes the teeth more sensitive, prone to decay and more tissue loss.
People with gum recession have different reasons for it but the most common are aggressive brushing and periodontal disease. We see patients who have hurt their gums without knowing it by using hard-bristled toothbrushes for years or putting too much pressure on their teeth while brushing. Genetic predisposition is also a big factor since some people naturally have weaker gum tissue that’s more likely to recede with time.
Finding gum recession early on lets doctors use less aggressive treatments and get better long-term results. We recommend regular periodontal checkups to keep an eye on the health of your gums and catch recession before it gets bad enough to need surgery. But when the recession is too bad, gum grafting is needed to shield the exposed tooth roots and stop more tissue loss.
Planning and evaluating the recession pattern and available donor tissue are the first steps in the gum grafting process. Toronto North Periodontics uses state of the art methods that make the procedure less painful and more likely to work. We usually take tissue from the roof of your mouth but in rare cases tissue from tissue banks is a great alternative that doesn’t require a second surgical site.
Before gum grafting the areas with gum recession need to be cleaned very well and the tissue defects need to be measured very carefully. We make precise cuts that let us place the donor tissue in the best possible way while keeping the blood flow needed for healing to happen. Sutures hold the transplanted tissue in place and these sutures dissolve on their own as the tissue heals.
After surgery care is very important for the success of gum grafting and we give you thorough instructions to make sure the best healing circumstances. Patients need to avoid certain meals and activities during the first few weeks of healing. They also need to follow certain oral hygiene rules to protect the grafted tissue. We set up regular follow up appointments to check on how the healing is doing and to talk about any problems that may arise.It takes a few weeks for the transplanted tissue to fully heal and become part of the existing gum structure. Patients may feel some pain and swelling during this time but these symptoms are usually manageable with the right medication and care. We’re here to help and answer questions along the way.
For gum grafting to work in the long run you need to keep your mouth clean and deal with the problems that caused the original recession. We work with patients to change the way they brush their teeth and recommend the best oral care products to protect their investment in gum health. Regular cleanings by a professional and care for your gums will keep the benefits for many years.
The amount of coverage you’ll get will depend on how bad your recession is and how quickly you heal. During your consultation we’ll talk about what you can realistically expect to happen and how the process will make your gums look and feel better. After successful gum grafting many patients notice a big difference in how sensitive their teeth are and feel more confident in their smile.
We work with other specialists such as endodontists to make sure all parts of your dental health get the right care and attention. This is especially important for patients who need full oral health care.
The money spent on gum grafting will pay off in ways that go beyond just making your smile look better. We help patients in North York with their gum grafting journey which helps them get healthier gums and keep their natural teeth for years to come. It also helps them feel better about their oral health and appearance.
