Gum Grafting Surgery

Restoring Gum Health & Protecting Your Smile

Gum recession, the process where gum tissue pulls away from the tooth exposing the root surface, is a common dental concern with various causes. This condition can lead to sensitivity, an undesirable appearance, and increased risk for root decay or further damage. Gum grafting surgery performed by an oral surgeon stands as the most effective method to predictably cover exposed roots, prevent additional recession, and restore a healthy, stable gumline around your teeth or dental implants. The skilled surgeons at WISE Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists provide expert gum grafting care across our Alabama offices. Contact us if you have concerns about gum recession.

What is Gum Recession & Why Treat It?

Gum recession occurs when the margin of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root.  Common contributors include periodontal (gum) disease, genetic predisposition to thin gum tissue, aggressive toothbrushing habits, or sometimes tooth movement from orthodontic treatment. Untreated gum recession results in undesirable consequences such as heightened tooth sensitivity to temperature changes or sweets, an increased vulnerability to root cavities and decay, an uneven or "long-in-the-tooth" smile appearance, and potentially progressive loss of supporting gum and bone structure which can ultimately jeopardize tooth stability and longevity. Treating recession proactively protects both tooth health and smile aesthetics.

The Gum Grafting Procedure at WISE Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists

Your gum grafting procedure begins with a comprehensive consultation at WISE Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists. Dr. Walsh or Dr. Vila will evaluate the extent and cause of your recession, discuss your goals, and determine the most appropriate grafting technique and tissue source for your specific needs, often utilizing advanced imaging for precise planning. Patient comfort is paramount; procedures are performed comfortably using effective local anesthesia, often supplemented with sedation options for complete relaxation based on your preference.

Common grafting techniques involve carefully preparing the recipient site where recession has occurred, then obtaining a small piece of specialized graft tissue. This tissue may be sourced from the roof of your own mouth (a connective tissue graft or free gingival graft), gently repositioned from adjacent healthy gum areas (a pedicle graft), or utilize processed human donor tissue (allograft material). The graft is meticulously positioned to cover the exposed root surface and secured with fine sutures. Our team provides detailed post-operative instructions to guide your healing process smoothly.

Key Benefits of Gum Grafting Surgery

Addressing gum recession with surgical grafting performed by our oral surgeons offers significant improvements for your oral health and smile appearance:

• Covers Exposed Roots: Effectively reduces or eliminates painful tooth sensitivity triggered by hot, cold, or sweet stimuli contacting the previously exposed root surfaces.
• Prevents Further Recession & Bone Loss: Creates a stable gum margin that halts the progression of tissue loss and helps shield the underlying jawbone from further deterioration around affected teeth.
• Improves Smile Aesthetics: Establishes a more even and harmonious gumline contour, covering areas where roots appear long or discolored, thereby enhancing the overall cosmetic balance of your smile.
• Strengthens Gum Tissue: Increases the thickness and resilience of the gum tissue in vulnerable areas, providing a more robust protective barrier against future recession or injury from brushing.
• Enhances Tooth Longevity: By safeguarding exposed roots from decay and stabilizing the critical supporting gum structures, gum grafting contributes significantly to the long-term health and retention of your natural teeth.