Gum recession is an extremely common problem affecting many adults. Receding gums expose the tooth roots and create gaps between teeth and gums. A gum graft could help correct an extensive range of oral health concerns to restore your smile.
Here are 5 compelling reasons why you should consider gum grafting if you have receding gums:
1. Covers Exposed Tooth Roots
Exposed tooth roots are one of the most obvious signs of receding gums. Without the protective covering of the gums, the roots become vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. Exposed roots also create an uneven gum line that most people find unappealing.
Gum grafting uses soft tissue obtained from the roof of the mouth or synthetic materials to cover the exposed roots. The grafted material serves as a replacement for the gum tissue that has eroded away. With the roots safely covered again, your teeth are protected from irritation and cavities while also restoring an even, symmetrical smile line free of gaps between your gums and your teeth.
2. Prevention of Future Gum and Bone Loss
Receding gums indicate you are experiencing gum disease and bone loss around the teeth. Without treatment, this progressive condition will worsen over time. The supporting bone structure will continue to deteriorate, causing your gums to recede further.
Gum grafting halts this damaging disease process. By placing grafted tissue over receding areas, it helps prevent additional loss of gum tissue and bone. The grafted material facilitates the re-growth of healthy gum tissue while acting as a barrier to protect the roots. Stopping disease progression is key to saving your gums and teeth.
3. Improves Appearance of Receding Gums
Let’s face it—receding gums simply don’t look very aesthetically pleasing. The gaps and exposed roots have an unappealing, uneven appearance. Gum recession can also make your teeth look overly long and disproportionate for your smile.
A gum graft effectively improves the look of receding gums by covering unsightly gaps with healthy, natural-looking tissue. This treatment option provides a smooth, symmetrical gum line between the grafted areas and your existing gums. In fact, a grafted site will often look indistinguishable from your original gum tissue. The improved aesthetics may leave you with a revitalized, vibrant smile!
4. Decreases in Tooth Sensitivity
Do you experience sharp pains when eating or drinking hot, cold or sweet foods? That uncomfortable sensitivity is common when roots become exposed due to eroding gums. Root surfaces have microscopic openings to dental nerves, and can be triggered by temperature changes. Exposed roots also lack the protective covering that comes with a substantial amount of healthy gum tissue.
Gum grafting can reduce this irritating sensitivity by covering the vulnerable root surfaces with grafted material. This protects the nerve endings, so they are less prone to painful stimulation from hot/cold food and drinks.
5. Reinforces Thin Gums That Are At Risk of Recession
Thin gums with minimal keratinized tissue are at high risk for further recession. Even minimal trauma from something like brushing too hard can cause the delicate gums to erode. Insufficient width and depth of gum tissue around your teeth can also lead to inevitable gum recession.
Grafting reinforces thin gum areas by adding more soft tissue as a preventive measure. Thickening the gums makes them more resistant to abrasion and trauma; grafting at sites that haven’t yet receded, but are potentially susceptible, reduces the chances of new areas of gum recession developing with time. Prevention is often the best method of reducing oral health complications, so it may be necessary to undergo a gum graft treatment prior to noticeable gum recession in some areas.
Conclusion
If your gum line has pulled away from your teeth, the numerous benefits of gum grafting make it an excellent treatment option to consider. Grafting can halt disease progression, cover exposed roots, improve aesthetics, reduce sensitivity and strengthen thin tissue. Speak with your trusted Oshawa dentist to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure that restores your gums and and your smile.
With the right treatment, you can protect your oral health and regain confidence in your appearance.