There are many Americans who currently experience receding gums. It may be a bit embarrassing for you, and you may try to cover this up with a change to your smile or the way you speak. Frankly, you shouldn’t have to do these things, and there is a possible solution to your problem.
Today, your Cerritos, CA dentist speaks to you on the subject of periodontal grafting, and how an incomplex procedure might save you time and money in the long run. All while improving your beautiful smile!
It Sounds Scary!
Many patients seem to be a tad turned off when they hear about the topic of gum grafting. And if you have seen any surgical images, you might understand why. But this is not a radical Frankenstein procedure, it is something performed on a daily basis in dental offices across the globe.
Once you have steeled yourself against this, it actually becomes a rather remarkable thing! To be able to transplant part of your mouth to another site seems almost like science fiction. But it’s actually rather routine.
What Types of Gum Grafts Are There?
The most common form of periodontal grafting that dentists perform is known as a free gingival graft, where the receding portion of the gum tissue is first cleaned. An examination of the site will determine the amount of your natural tissue that has become infected. This matter will need to be removed surgically from your mouth.
Obviously, we would like to keep as much of your natural material in place. And the longer you wait to visit a trained oral health professional, the more the infection will spread. So please, schedule a cleaning and examination today so that we can develop a plan for you as soon as possible!
Then, the dentist stretches the remaining gum and adheres it in place at your appropriate gumline. The gum attaches naturally and you are able to have a restored situation. This approach results in minimal trauma to the tissue, and is ideal.
It’s Gotten Bad, Though!
For some, the infection will have spread too deep for that maneuver. In these cases, donor matter may be needed from another area within the mouth. Typically, this comes from the roof of the mouth or the soft palate.
With these, the donor area will be disinfected and a strip of tissue is surgically removed. Then, it is transplanted to the area of the gum with the problem. With either of these approaches, a soft diet over the next week is most of the recuperation. So please call today, and don’t put it off any longer!
ABOUT YOUR CERRITOS, CA, ORAL SURGEON:
Dr. Shawn Hofkes and the staff at Cerritos Dental Surgery are highly qualified to address complex issues, including those that require oral surgery to correct. To schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Hofkes, contact us today by calling 562-584-4082. We proudly welcome patients of all ages from Cerritos, CA, and all surrounding communities, such as Lakewood, Long Beach, Buena Park, and more.
