Gingival / Gum Grafting
Gingivitis and in its advanced state, periodontitis, has a profound effect on
the gums. As gingivitis progresses, more and more bacteria and plaque builds
up, causing the gums to stretch. The end result it large pockets, that once
they are cleaned out, remain on your gum line. These pockets cause the gums to
recede, which aesthetically not pleasing to the eye. When the gums recede, an
abnormal amount of tooth structure is exposed.
Gum grafting is the corrective procedure that restores the gum to its natural,
healthy state. Using soft gum tissue from the roof of the mouth, the receded
gums are grafted. The goal if the graft is to cover exposed tooth and root
surfaces with grafted on oral tissue. This grafting encourages new
tissue growth that will enable the gums to return to its original position
around the teeth. The procedure is routine and entails a minimal amount of
downtime and discomfort.