Gum Grafts and What They Are All About

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When Dr. Khan, your Sacramento dentist, sees you during those regular dental check-ups, she isn’t just taking note of your teeth but also your gums. Your gum health is a crucial part of your overall oral health. In fact, gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis can lead to teeth loss, even the healthy ones. If in one of your visits to Dr. Khan, she tells you that you need a gum graft, then don’t panic right away. The procedure actually isn’t as daunting as you would think.

What is a gum graft?

Gum grafts in Sacramento involve the removal of a piece of gum tissue and the subsequent transfer of that piece of tissue to another part of your mouth. While gum grafts are invasive in nature, they really aren’t as scary as gum surgery. Gum grafts may be necessary in order to preserve the aesthetics of your smile as well as the integrity of your teeth.

For one, gum grafts can prevent the worsening of gum recession. Gum recession is when the gumline moves further down, exposing the dental roots of teeth. The appearance of dental roots will ruin your smile and also compromise the attachment of these structures in your gums. As more and more of the dental roots are exposed, only a minimal amount of the tooth is anchored within the tooth.

What are the different types of gum graft procedures?

Gum grafts occur in different types and are required for differing reasons. Depending on what your dentist feels is necessary in your case, he or she can recommend that you undergo any of the following procedures:

Connective Tissue Grafts

This type of tissue graft is the most commonly requested of all three. The main indication for this procedure is the treatment of dental root exposure. A certain portion of your palate, the roof of your mouth, is cut and a portion of the tissue underneath that flap is stitched into the area with the dental root exposure. The flap which has been produced in the palate is then stitched back down.

Free Gingival Grafts

This type of graft is similar to connective tissue grafts only that the removed gum tissue is not found underneath the palate. Rather, it is the exposed palate tissue which is directly transplanted. This procedure is useful for individuals who have thin gums to begin with and require thickening of these gingival tissues.

Pedicle Graft

This type of grafting procedure involves the removal of gingival tissue found close to the transplant site. However, only one part of the gum is excised and the gum tissue is only pulled to the direction of the transplant site without actually being removed.

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