Gums don’t receive nearly as much credit as they deserve; when you think about it, they protect and hold your teeth in place during a lifetime of chewing, laughing, and talking. While our Denver, CO, dentists restore and protect your teeth from decay or damage, they also help to ensure your gums are well-cared for and healthy. Our team at Metro Dental Care helps patients who may be experiencing gum recession by providing gum graft treatment. If you would like to schedule a consultation regarding the health of your gums, give us a call at 303.534.2626.
Receding Gums
Gum grafts are usually required when a patient has receding gums; gum recession is the slow erosion of gum tissue from the base of a tooth. Over months or even years, gum recession exposes the vulnerable root of a tooth, leading to hypersensitivity and a less attractive smile. Often, patients don’t even notice their gums are receding because it happens very gradually. However, it’s a common issue; up to 12% of American adults are estimated to be suffering from receding gums.
Typically, receding gums are caused by aggressive brushing techniques, bruxim (tooth grinding or clenching), dental misalignment, or bite disorders.
Benefits of Gum Grafting
Gum grafting treatment is crucial for patients with receding gums who wish to protect their teeth from the risks associated with an exposed tooth root. By covering and protecting the root, the tooth will be held in place, protected from harmful bacteria and decay, and may ultimately prevent a future root canal or extraction. In addition, when used as a cosmetic solution, it can improve the appearance of healthy teeth that appear long or over-sized.
The Gum Grafting Procedure
Gum grafting is a commonly-performed dental procedure, and our Denver, CO team has years of experience treating receding gums. However, for patients who may be anxious about the procedure, we are proud to offer sedative medications such as nitrous oxide to provide a relaxing, calming effect during the length of the treatment.
If you’re preparing for a gum graft procedure, there are three common treatment approaches, including:
Pedicle Grafts: Gum tissues close to the affected gum line are sourced, placed, and sewn to cover the exposed tooth’s surface.
Free Gingival Grafts: Tissues from the roof of the patient’s mouth are placed and sewn on the affected gum line.
Connective-Tissue Grafts: Similar to the free gingival graft, this procedure involves a small incision being made on the roof of the mouth. From there, tissues beneath the incision are sourced and placed at the gum line and sewn in place. The incision on the roof of the mouth is then closed to heal. This is the most common treatment performed at our Denver practice.
Schedule an Appointment with Metro Dental Care
At Metro Dental Care, we know you are busy, so we’ve made maintaining oral health easy and faster; our comprehensive services mean you can receive the treatment you need in one location. Our online and new patient forms expedite your appointments so you can spend more time seeing one of our dental professionals and less time filling out paperwork. If you want to improve the appearance and function of your smile through a safe and effective gum graft, please reach out to a member of our staff today. We are conveniently located on Glenarm Place in downtown Denver, CO. Our team looks forward to seeing you soon!
