Gum Recession Treatment
Scarsdale and Mt. Kisco, NY
Gum Recession Treatment provided by Dr. Gary Orentlicher and Dr. Andrew Horowitz in Scarsdale & Mt. Kisco, NY at New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery
 A gum graft is a type of dental surgery performed to correct gum recession. A gum surgery might sound intense, but it is not. It is a simple surgery in which healthy gum tissue is removed from the roof of your mouth to attach it to the area where your gums have receded. New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery can help to reduce the risk for further loss with a gum graft.
What is Gum Recession?
Gingival recession is a common problem which causes the root of your tooth to be exposed due to the reduction or loss of tissue. Gum disease is usually the main cause of this issue. It is particularly hard to notice until it reaches a certain stage, as it slowly develops overtime. This means it is often more prominent in adults. Still, teenagers and children alike can be mildly affected as a result of poor dental hygiene, aggressive brushing, or genetics. Lost gum tissue cannot be regenerated.
However, here at New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery, our professionals can help you restore your beautiful smile with a gum grafting procedure.
Causes of Gum Recession
A common cause of gum recession is periodontal disease, which is a severe form of gum disease. Poor oral hygiene, genetic makeup, hormonal changes, and diseases like diabetes also contribute to gum recession. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals who smoke are four times more likely to suffer from gum recession than nonsmokers. Other reasons include an aggressive brushing style and the extreme force of grinding on your teeth.
Symptoms of Gum Recession
If you experience sensitivity to hot and cold often, your gums could be receding. Gum recession exposes a portion of your tooth's root as it pulls away from the tissue that surrounds your tooth.
The Importance of Gum Recession Treatment
Apart from its cosmetic value, gums also support your teeth and provide a tight barrier that blocks bacteria and prevents the build-up of plaque. If you have lost a considerable amount of soft skin due to the recession, your teeth will be prone to an increase of sensitivity to temperature and pressure. Moreover, if left untreated, the accumulation of bacteria can lead to bone loss.
Our team can evaluate your situation to determine if a gum graft is needed. Even though it may seem like nothing at early stages, it is recommended to solve the problem before it further develops to make the process easier and ensure the best possible outcome.
Gum Recession Treatment Options
Connective-tissue grafts are the most common procedure for gum grafting. Healthy gum tissue is removed from the roof of your mouth and then attaches it to the area where your gums have receded. Connective-tissue grafts can be used to treat one or more areas of recession.
Other procedures include free gingival grafts in which the tissue is taken from the palate directly to attach it to the existing gum area.
In addition to that, pedicle grafts are also a procedure that uses the tissue adjacent to the tooth requiring treatment.
Benefits of Gum Recession Treatment
Gum grafts can reduce tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods, in addition to stopping the process of gum recession and further loss of bone. It also plays a vital part in protecting the roots of your teeth from tooth decay. Gum grafts are perfect for even the gum line, thus giving you the confidence of smiling and speaking without being worried about the appearance of your teeth.
Gum Recession Treatment Procedure
The surgery is almost always an autograft, meaning that instead of a donor, tissue from your own oral cavity will cover the exposed space. This is to avoid any risk of infections. Depending on your requirements, a different part of your mouth will be used. Usually, a piece of the subepithelial connective tissue of your palate, with a size relative to the amount of gum that needs to be covered, will be removed and subsequently stitched to the affected area. Unlike the gingiva, the tissue of your palate will completely regenerate afterwards.
Recovery and Aftercare
You should not worry about long-term effects post-op. Your gums and palate are expected to recover within two weeks, although some patients recover sooner than others. While the newly added tissue adapts to your gums, you may feel a bit uncomfortable, but it is just a matter of time until they recover completely and you can go back to normal.
We will provide you with careful instructions on what to eat and how to clean the area during your first days following your procedure, and you will be requested to come back after the procedure so we can monitor your recovery and make sure that the graft was successful. Our professionals will discuss instructions and possible options for over-the-counter medications if you start to feel pain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Recession Treatment
Is Gum Recession Treatment Painful?
We will likely only need to give you local anesthesia to numb any potential discomfort, though this does mean you will need a ride home afterward.
The graft will be sensitive after you first get it, so we advise changing up your diet to favor soft foods like yogurt and eggs, rather than anything hard, crunchy, or spicy. Luckily, most grafts are completely healed after just one to two weeks.
How Long Does the Treatment Process Take?
Typically, a gum graft is quick and easy, no longer than an hour and a half.
Can Gum Recession Be Prevented?
There are some easy ways to prevent the development of gum recession. Changes in lifestyle choices, such as smoking and the consumption of sugary foods and drinks, can minimize the risk of gum recession.
Brushing and flossing your teeth with the correct techniques will also help prevent gum recession, as gum recession can be developed by a brushing technique that is too abrasive. Talk to one of our oral surgeons to learn how to clean your mouth properly.
Keeping to your biannual appointments with our surgeons will help prevent the need for a gum graft. Our surgeon will be able to monitor your gum line and any symptoms you may be experiencing. They will also professionally clean your teeth and gum line of any tartar or plaque build-up.
About Gum Recession Treatment at New York Oral Maxillofacial and Implant Surgery (NYOMIS)
We can help you prevent gum recession and gum disease. If you are experiencing any oral discomfort, contact us now at (914) 768-8220 and we can book you an appointment. |
