Gum grafting is a common procedure to restore gums that have receded and pulled away from the teeth as a result of periodontal disease. This treatment goes a long way in restoring the appearance of your smile while protecting the tooth roots. Gum grafting can be a great option for most people, but it is still important to know whether or not you are a candidate for this treatment.
Who Can Benefit from Gum Grafting?
When determining if you are a viable candidate for gum grafting, it is important to determine whether or not the condition of your teeth will actually benefit from the procedure.
If you have gums that have receded and exposed the roots, experiencing sensitivity from those receding gums, or bothered by the appearance of your smile because of the gum recession, you will benefit from the procedure. Gum grafting works to restore an attractive and healthy appearance to your smile while covering up unsightly cementum on the roots.
Gum tissue grafts offer a number of benefits:
- Reduce your risk of gum disease.
- Reduce your risk of cavities, exposed teeth roots are vulnerable to decay.
- Decrease the sensitivity of your teeth.
- Improve the appearance of your smile.
What are the Risks or Complications of Gum Graft Surgery?
Complications after gum graft surgery are uncommon but can happen. Possible complications are:
- Infection.
- Excessive bleeding.
- Rejection of the gum graft, or failure.
If you observe heavy bleeding, pus, or anything else that does not look right, contact your dentist right away.
Is a Free Gingival Graft Worth It?
Gum grafting success rates are over 90%. This procedure gives you a great chance of treating gum recession and improving your overall oral health.
Left untreated, gum recession will result in cavities, severe gum disease, tooth mobility and even tooth loss.
Overall Heath and Gum Grafting
To be a viable candidate for a free gingival graft, you also need to be in good health with healthy gums. If your gum disease is not under control, having a gum graft procedure will be pointless and most likely will fail due to future recession.
The teeth that will be covered during gum grafting will need to be healthy, as infected teeth can easily develop further infection if they are subjected to grafting. Some certain health conditions such as autoimmune diseases and diabetes can also remove you as a candidate for a gum grafting procedure.
If you are found to be a suitable candidate for gum grafting, it is important that you are fully committed to the process. You will need to make choices that will keep your gums healthy, and without making these commitments, you will likely experience poor results that require correction in the future.
When Should I See My Dentist?
Call your dentist if you have thin, painful, bleeding gums or if your teeth roots are visible. In the meantime, be sure to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for routine dental cleanings. These appointments help keep your teeth and gums healthy and allow your dentist to detect issues early on before they lead to other oral health problems.