Gum recession is one of the most common periodontal problems we see in our Toronto office. It can happen to anyone at any age and often goes unnoticed until a lot of damage is done. We have helped thousands of people get their gums back to health with gum grafting procedures that fix both the functional and cosmetic problems caused by receding gums. This surgery involves moving healthy tissue to cover tooth roots that are exposed and stop them from receding further.
Gum recession is caused by a number of things that work together over time to hurt the sensitive gum tissue. We often find patients who have caused their gums to recede without meaning to by brushing too hard or using toothbrushes with hard bristles that wear away healthy gum tissue. Periodontal disease is another major cause of gum recession because bacteria and inflammation damage the tissues that hold your teeth in place.
We stress the importance of regular periodontal exams because early treatment is the key to treating gum recession. During these checkups we check the levels of gum attachment and look for areas where recession has started or gotten worse since your last appointment. Finding recession early on means less invasive treatment and better results.
Before the gum grafting procedure can begin we need to plan and assess your individual recession pattern and tissue characteristics. Toronto North Periodontics uses state of the art surgical techniques to make you as comfortable as possible while making sure the tissue heals and integrates as well as possible. We usually get donor tissue from the roof of your mouth but in many cases processed donor tissue from tissue banks is a great option.
Before gum grafting the areas where the recession has occurred must be well cleaned and the tissue defects that need to be covered must be measured very carefully. We make incisions that are carefully planned so the donor tissue can be positioned in the best way possible while still getting enough blood flow to heal properly. Fine sutures hold the transplanted tissue in place and help it mend while reducing pain after surgery.
It takes time to heal after gum grafting and you need to follow certain post-operative instructions to protect the new tissue. We give you detailed instructions on how to change your diet, improve your dental hygiene and limit your activities to create the best conditions for healing. Most patients say that following these steps makes their recovery go smoother and gives them better results in the end.It takes time for the healing process to be done. During this time the transplanted tissue will attach to your existing gum structure and form new blood supply connections. We schedule follow up appointments to check on the healing and talk about any issues that come up during recovery. This takes time so the transplanted tissue can stick to the body well and for a long time.
After gum grafting pain management usually involves prescribed medication and specific comfort measures to ease pain during the first few weeks of healing. We make sure patients know how to use their medication and when to take it and give them emergency contact information in case they have any questions. Most patients feel pain that is manageable and gets a lot better in the first week.
Long term success with gum grafting depends a lot on fixing the problems that caused the original recession. We work with our patients to change how they take care of their teeth and provide them with dental items that will help them keep their gums healthy. Regular cleanings and periodontal treatment by a specialist will help maintain the grafting results for a long time.
The amount of coverage you can expect will depend on how bad the recession is and how well your body heals but most patients see a big improvement in root coverage and the look of their gums. During your appointment we will discuss achievable results and how the procedure will improve your overall dental health and comfort.
We work with other professionals such as endodontists to make sure all aspects of your oral health get the right care and attention.
Gum grafting is an investment because it has long term benefits that go beyond just making your smile look better. We still help patients in North York and the greater Toronto area get healthier gums and save their natural teeth with specialist gum grafting procedures that bring back function and confidence in their smile.
