Gum diseases are one of the most prevalent dental ailments around the world. Improper oral hygiene, poor diet, and irregular dental visits are some of the most common causes of gum diseases. Gum diseases can be broadly classified as gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the initial, mild, and non-destructive form of gum disease. Gingivitis leads to inflammation of the gums. The gums may become tender and appear fiery red in colour. The gums may also bleed easily; for example, when you are brushing or biting on something hard, let’s say an apple. Gingivitis can be easily treated and is reversible. Thorough dental cleaning and a round of antibiotics are all that are needed to treat gingivitis. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to its severe and destructive form, periodontitis.
Periodontitis is irreversible and causes permanent damage to the gums. The tell-tale sign of periodontitis is gum recession, which is when the gums appear pulled back. The gums bleed easily, and teeth loosen as their support structures are destroyed. If left untreated, you risk losing your teeth.
A thorough cleaning and gum graft surgeries are often required to treat gum diseases. Gum disease affects not only your oral health but also your overall health. Bacteria from gum infections can travel to the blood vessels from where they can infect even the body’s other organs. Therefore, it is imperative to get gum diseases treated at the earliest.
Apart from harming the oral cavity and its other health implications, gum diseases can also wreak havoc on how you smile. Pulled back and pigmented gums compromise your smile, which directly affects the way you behave in personal, professional, and social situations. Compromised smile aesthetics can make a massive dent in your self-esteem and confidence. Fortunately, I, Dr. Viorel Talpa, as a dentist, can help you regain your beautiful smile with the help of gum graft surgeries. In this article, I will talk about the 5 most commonly done gum graft surgery for better aesthetics.
Why May You Need Gum Graft Surgery?
Gum graft surgeries are not just to enhance your facial aesthetics but also serve to protect and save your teeth. If done timely, gum graft surgeries can firm up loose teeth and help you save them. Gum graft surgeries rejuvenate your oral health and your smile. Gum graft surgeries require extreme dexterity and can often sound terrorizing. However, it is not as bad as it sounds and its prime function is to provide you with better oral health.
Types of Gum Grafts Surgery and the Procedure
1. Connective Tissue Grafts
Gum diseases lead to gum recession. Gum recession happens when gums are pulled back. This exposes the once protected root of the teeth to the oral environment. The roots of the teeth are not covered by enamel but by cementum. Cementum is more porous and not as hard as enamel. Once the roots are exposed, it can lead to teeth sensitivity and pain. Receded gums also look unappealing.
To correct such conditions gum grafts surgeries are performed. Connective tissue grafts are one of the most commonly performed gum graft surgeries. This procedure aims to cover up the exposed root surface of the teeth. During this procedure, I will cut a small part of the gum tissue from the roof of the mouth. This tissue is then treated to separate the underlying connective tissue from the overlying mucosa by creating a flap (the skin portion of the gum). The overlying tissue is closed right back. Next, the concerned area is prepared. I will use a blade to carefully remove the infected gum tissue and create a fresh base for installing the connective tissue graft, which I took from the roof of your mouth.
This graft is placed in the defect area, and the gums are extended and sutured in their new position. Both surgical sites are stitched, and a dental antiseptic pack is given. The roof of the mouth slowly heals, and new gum tissue is formed within 1.5 weeks. Similarly, the connective tissue graft will provide nutrients and cover the exposed roots, thus pulling the gums back to their natural position.
The entire procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic. A local anaesthetic injection is given on the roof of the mouth and at the concerned site. This will ensure comfort and a pain-free treatment experience. I will prescribe antibiotics, painkillers, and relief gel to ensure your healing takes place seamlessly and you get the smile you truly desire.
2. Free Gingival Grafts
The procedure for free gingival grafts is also very similar to connective tissue grafts. For free gingival grafts, I will again take a block of tissue from the roof of your mouth. However, instead of making a flap and removing the underlying connective tissue, I will use the entire width of the incised tissue and attach it to the concerned defect area.
Free gingival gum grafts are often used in cases where the overlying gum tissue is too thin and the roots are almost on the verge of being exposed. The additional tissue strengthens the area and covers the roots bringing the gums to their natural position. This enhances not only aesthetics but saves your teeth from any further damage, which ensures your gum disease is treated.
3. Pedical Grafts
Unlike connective tissue and free tissue grafts, in medical graft surgeries, no tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth. In this procedure, the graft is taken from the adjacent healthy tooth’s gum. The area adjacent to the area in need of repair is prepared. A flap is created which is still attached by this base to its original location. The top part is twisted and moved, and attached to the area in need. The donor area heals normally, and the treated area accepts the flap and heals, covering the root.
Pedical flaps are generally reserved in area where only one tooth gum is defective. It cannot be used to treat multiple adjacent teeth and each defect will require the adjacent tooth gum to be health.
4. Allografts, Xenografts, and Alloplastic Grafts (Gum Regeneration Surgery)
In some cases where you do not have the option of taking a graft from your own mouth, we resort to gum regeneration surgeries. For this procedure, allografts, xenografts, and alloplastic grafts are used.
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Allografts are tissue grafts that are acquired from other human beings.
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Xenografts are derived from animals.
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Alloplastic grafts are made from artificial materials such as metal or plastic.
Allografts and xenografts are biologically treated before they become ready for placement.
The affected area is prepared by creating a flap. Next, I will take the graft material and place it between the tooth and the gum flap. I will pull the flap into the position desired and suture it back. The graft material will help the gum tissues regenerate, and the defect will be closed.
Allografts and xenografts have proven to be effective and give excellent results. These are saved and are regularly performed at dental clinics for treated soft tissue dental conditions.
5. Crown Lengthening Surgery
Although crown lengthening cannot be classified under gum graft surgeries in the truest sense, it, too, has extensive aesthetic as well as functional benefits. In cases of inflammation or gum overgrowth, a part of the tooth gets covered by gum tissue. This makes your teeth look small, and your smile looks gummy.
In such cases, crown lengthening surgeries are done. The extra gum tissue is removed, and the wound is allowed to heal naturally. Once healed, it will settle back to its normal and natural position.
Recovery After Gum Graft Surgery
It is essential to rest on the day you have your surgery. Your body will need some time to settle down.
Maintain optimum oral hygiene. It is not advisable to brush immediately after gum surgery as you may end up moving fragile tissue. Therefore, for the initial few days, I will recommend you use a mouthwash.
After a few days, when the tissue starts to heal, you have to use a soft toothbrush and floss gently. It is vital to maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent any re-infection and subsequent failure.
During the initial post-surgery phase, you will have to consume a soft but protein-rich diet. You can have smoothies, mashed eggs and potatoes, porridge, and other soft and easily consumable foods. Avoid consuming any hot foods and beverages. Resort to consuming cold or room temperature foods and beverages.
Conclusion
I hope this article gave you much-needed insight into gum graft surgeries. If you have any more questions or would like to schedule an appointment with me, please reach out to us at my dental clinic. I, Dr. Viorel Talpa, and my team of excellent and friendly dental professionals will be there to assist you and your family with excellent oral and overall health.
