Restorative Dentistry
Gum Grafting Surgery
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A healthy smile depends on more than just clean teeth; it also relies on strong, resilient and healthy gums.
Our gums are the protective covering to our teeth, similar to our skin. When gum tissue starts to wear away, the protective seal is lost, and this can affect both your oral health and your confidence. Gum grafting can be a combination restorative and periodontal procedure that protects your teeth from further damage and helps rebuild a healthy, confident smile. At PDG Dentistry in Bethesda, MD, we specialize in minimally invasive microsurgical plastic surgical techniques offering personalized solutions for long lasting oral health.
Who Might Need Gum Grafting Surgery?
You may be a candidate for gum grafting if you’ve experienced:
- Gum recession due to periodontal disease or aggressive brushing
- Tooth sensitivity caused by exposed roots
- A smile affected by uneven or thinning gumlines
- A need to prevent future bone and tooth loss
This procedure is not just cosmetic; it can significantly improve oral comfort, stability, and long-term health.
The Benefits of Bone Grafting
Have you been wanting dental implants, but oral bone loss has prevented you from being a candidate? A bone graft might be exactly what you need. Bone grafting is a reliable procedure that rebuilds and strengthens the jawbone, creating a sturdy foundation for dental implants.
What Causes Oral Bone Loss?
- Missing Teeth: After a tooth is lost, the jawbone naturally deteriorates over time.
- Gum Disease: Advanced periodontal disease can weaken and destroy the surrounding bone structure.
- Trauma or Injury: Damage to the jaw or teeth can lead to bone loss and deterioration.
- Long-term Denture Wear: Constant pressure from dentures can accelerate bone resorption.
- Genetics or Health Conditions: Some patients naturally have thinner or weaker jawbones.
Gum Grafting
Case 4
Before: Gum grafting was completed on the upper left central incisors, lateral incisors and canines to cover the exposed roots.
After: Teeth were bleached, A ceramic veneer was completed on the upper right lateral incisor and composite bonding on the upper right canine.
Gum Grafting
Case 1
Pre-treatment: Inadequate gum around upper cuspids and on upper missing lateral incisor ridges
Final: all-ceramic front bridge with gum grafts
Bone Grafting
Case 2
Pre-treatment: Boney ridge too narrow to receive implants
Final: After bone graft wide enough to receive implants
What to Expect from Gum Graft Surgery & Recovery
Gum grafting involves placing healthy tissue, often from the roof of your mouth or a donor source, onto areas where the gums have receded. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and is typically completed in under an hour. A customized milled protective covering is placed on the roof of the mouth for optimum healing. Recovery is typically smooth, with most patients returning to normal activities within 3-5 days. You’ll be advised to stick to soft foods, avoid brushing near the graft site, and follow specific care instructions to ensure optimal healing.
What to Expect from Gum Graft Surgery & Recovery
If you’re noticing gum recession or want to protect your teeth for the future, PDG Dentistry is here to help. Book your gum grafting consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Bone Grafting Procedure
This transformative procedure helps to prepare the mouth for successful dental implants. Bone grafts especially benefit those with a narrow or weakened bony ridge, people experiencing significant bone loss after tooth extraction, or denture wearers whose jawbones have deteriorated over time.
During the bone grafting procedure, grafting material – often derived from donor tissue, is combined with growth factors (proteins to aid in bone growth) and is placed directly into the area of deficiency.
Complete healing usually takes several months, after which your jawbone will be strong enough to support your dental implants securely.
