Gum Grafts Brookline
Restore Your Smile by Reversing Gum Recession
Gum recession can occur naturally with age, but it can also result from oral health issues, such as gum disease or chronic teeth grinding. As the gums pull away from the teeth, they may appear unusually long, and you may experience oversensitivity as the roots are exposed. Lost gum tissue will not regrow on its own. However, our team can help with a restorative service called gum grafting in Brookline. If you would like to discuss this procedure and how it works, keep reading or call our office to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Brookline DentalWellness for Gum Grafts?
- In-House Periodontist for Expert Comprehensive Care
- Comfort Amenities Available – Headphones, Blankets, Streaming Services
- We Build Strong, Long-Lasting Relationships
What is Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting is a minor surgical procedure in which we cover exposed tooth roots and strive to restore a healthy, aesthetically pleasing gumline.
Here is how the procedure typically works:
- We will numb your mouth to make sure you are comfortable. If you are particularly nervous or sensitive, we may also administer sedation.
- We will harvest tissue from the roof of your mouth. Taking a graft from your own body reduces the risk of complications and rejection. In some cases, donor tissue can be used.
- We carefully attach the harvested tissue to your gums in places where they have receded.
- A few weeks after your surgery, you may have another appointment, where we will remove any sutures and check to see how well you are healing.
Benefits of Gum Grafts
- Gum grafting can protect the roots of your teeth, reducing sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages.
- This procedure helps restore a natural and attractive gumline, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appearance of your smile.
- By covering exposed roots, gum grafting can lower the risk of tooth decay and prevent further dental complications.
- Gum grafting can contribute to improved oral hygiene by making it easier to clean your teeth effectively.
- The procedure strengthens the support structure around your teeth, which may help prevent tooth loss.
- This treatment often requires only minor surgery and a relatively short recovery period compared to more invasive procedures.
Recovering from Gum Graft Surgery
Swelling and discomfort after a gum graft usually start to fade within two to three weeks, while full recovery might take six to eight weeks. Our team will stay in touch as you heal, and you should feel free to reach out to us if any questions or concerns arise.
You can facilitate a smooth recovery process by applying these tips:
- Be very careful during your oral hygiene routine. You may be able to start brushing after 24 hours, but you should exercise great caution and be gentle.
- Eat soft, cool foods such as yogurt, eggs, or smoothies for the first week.
- Do not eat spicy, crunchy, or hard foods that may irritate the surgical site.
- Use a prescribed mouth rinse or warm salt water to gently clean your mouth and soothe inflammation.
- Refrain from smoking or using straws since suction can disturb healing tissues (and smoking can interfere with healing).
- Limit strenuous activities and get plenty of rest to promote recovery.