Have you ever noticed that your gums are receding from your teeth? If the roots of your teeth start to become visible and have ruined your overall look. If yes, then to restore your looks, you should get gum grafting treatment.
The reasons behind the gum recession are aggressive brushing, and sometimes it can be due to genetics as well.
How common is gum recession disease?
Nowadays, gum recession has become a common dental problem. According to statistics, approximately 88% of people over 65 struggle with gum diseases like gum recession in one or more teeth. Therefore, the condition can be considered general worldwide.
Diagnosing Gum Recession
A general routine check up by the dental professional can help in diagnosing Gum recession or other dental issues. Periodontal probe is the specific tool used to measure the amount of gum recession on each tooth. Bone loss is also quite common in specific areas suffering from this gum disease.
Periodontal pockets also known as the space between the tooth and the gum is measured around each tooth. Pockets measuring between 1 - 3 mm in depth means healthy gums whereas pockets measuring up to 4mm leads to gingivitis. Periodontal maintenance is essential to keep your teeth healthy, which will prevent diseases and maintain your oral health well.
What is gum grafting?
If gums are receding from your teeth due to gum diseases, poor habits of brushing, or hereditary conditions, then gum grafting is an ideal option. The procedure uses tissue from your mouth to replace worn-out gums.
With the latest advancements in technologies, prosthodontists can get donor tissue from areas which are healthy and do not require to be touched like the roof of the mouth. If you are wondering why you should consider gum grafting techniques, then check out these reasons:
Unattractive smile
Smile is generally the first attraction point in a person. It somewhat defines the look and personality of anyone. Gum receding can lead to visibility of teeth roots, that can easily knock off a few points from your looks and smile. It often makes people smile consciously. Gum grafting can help you build up your confidence and fight with the unwanted diseases. So, you won’t hesitate when you have to smile in the crowd next time.
Tooth decay
Constant exposure to foreign elements can cause tooth decay at a higher rate. Even too much exposure to gum recession can increase the pace of decay and cause numerous other gum diseases. The grafting treatment can help in slowing and eventually eliminating the decaying process. Meaning you will have your teeth for longer and can retain a vast and beautiful smile for a longer time.
Future recession risk
Gum grafting is most prominently used for issues like gum recession. Hence, if you feel the earliest signs of gum recession, do not ignore it and get the treatment. The grafting procedure will not only eliminate the current risk but will also help in avoiding future issues.
How much recovery time is required for Gum Grafting surgery?
There are numerous factors in play when it comes to calculate the recovery time after the surgery. Some of the factors include things like number of teeth treated, from where the gum graft is acquired, etc. recovery time also depends upon the type of gum disease treatment. Generally, people undergoing gum recession surgery feel normal in two weeks.
Tips to reduce the risk of Gum Recession
Gum recession cannot always be prevented, especially if the disease is genetic. However, one can reduce the risk of infection caused by gum recession. Therefore, protecting your teeth with complete teeth and gum care is essential to prevent infection. Some of the prevention techniques that can help you:
Brush your teeth twice a day
Avoid using a bristle or stiff brush
You should floss your mouth at least once a day
One should use antimicrobial mouthwash twice a day.
Avoid Smoking and Chewing Tobacco
Follow doctor’s recommendations by heart
Also, you should see a dentist immediately if there is something in the teeth or requires cleaning.
Stages of the gum grafting healing!
There are four main predictable stages of the gum grafting procedure that are generally overlapping with each other. The names of these stages are:
Several types of gum graft procedures are available. Generally, periodontists incise into your gums and place the donor material over the exposed root for this gum disease treatment procedure. Then, the rest of the grafted tissue is stitched into place. Platelets stick to the injured site within a few minutes, causing a shape change that releases chemicals. This chemical causes clotting, which results in slowed or stopped bleeding.
On the day of the surgery, your gums will be red, which indicates inflammation. This builds up blood in the area, and you will feel the area a little warm. It is not a sign to worry about. A thin fluid layer separates the grafted tissue from the natural gum tissue. At this stage of the gum grafting procedure, the top layer of the graft becomes necrotic. It should look yellowish or white. Special cells called phagocytes remove damaged cells that might carry infection.
Once the wound has been cleared, the area becomes ready for repair. This makes the area less inflamed or red. New tissues can be generated to repair the area. At around seven days, the graft starts connecting with the surrounding area. Special cells called fibroblasts are generated that grow on the edges of the wound, gradually decreasing the size of the wound.
After 14 days of the gum grafting procedure, the graft will fuse with the original gum tissue.
Just after 2 weeks, it will look like the graft has fused. However, the healing process will continue for up to a year or more, depending on certain circumstances. The tissue will be mature or remodeled; however, one might feel tight or itchy in some places.
This is how the gum graft process is completed.