Gum Grafting in Louisville, KY & New Albany, IN
A gum graft can be one of an assortment of surgical procedures performed to restore healthy existing gums and cover an exposed tooth root to prevent any further gum recession from developing. There are several reasons for exposed roots, the most common cause being gum disease. But it can also be the result of aggressive brushing. Not only will a gum graft procedure protect your teeth from the effects commonly associated with gum recession, but it will also improve the healthy look of your smile.
Would You Benefit from Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting can sound intimidating, but with the advancements in techniques and materials, it can now be both quick and painless. There are quite a few benefits associated with having gum grafting performed. Following your gum grafting at PerioImplant Associates, you can begin to enjoy:
- Better Gum Health: The most important benefit associated with having gum grafting is that by doing so you can prevent the progression of periodontal disease. Therefore, a gum graft can play a critical role in you avoiding future bone loss or the extraction of a tooth.
- Improved Aesthetic Appearance: If you have had gum recession you may have felt self-conscious about your smile because your teeth can appear to be longer. By having a gum grafting procedure performed, your teeth will appear shorter and more proportionally balanced, which will improve the overall visual perception of your smile.
- Reduced Tooth Sensitivity: With the gum grafting covering any exposed roots, you will notice that your teeth will become less sensitive to either hot or cold foods or drinks.
The Gum Grafting Procedure
In most cases, PerioImplant Associates will administer a local anesthetic before your gum grafting procedure. During the procedure, small incisions will be made at the site of the recession to form an opening for the tissue graft. A split thickness incision will be made to create a flap, and your gum graft will be placed in this pocket between the two sections of tissue.
Sutures are usually added to help stabilize the graft and prevent it from moving. You will be healed and will notice the uniformity of your gums within about six weeks.
Contact Our Practice Today
Our goal is to get you back to smiling and chewing with confidence. With our qualified staff and compassionate team, we will listen to your questions and desires to find the best solution for your dental health.
The Common Types of Gum Grafting
There are four distinct gum grafts that we can perform with gum tissue based upon your specific situation, which include the following:
- Free Gingival Grafts- A free gingival graft includes using tissue from your palate, or the roof of your mouth. During this procedure, a small portion of excessive tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth and attached to the affected gum area. This procedure is effective if you have thin gums and require additional tissue to make the gum area larger.
- Connective-tissue Grafts. This type of graft is used if you have exposed roots. PerioImplant Associates begins by opening a flap of skin on the roof of your mouth and removing the connective tissue from underneath the flap, and then it is stitched to the gum tissue that surrounds the exposed root. The flap at the roof of the mouth is sutured closed after the tissue is removed.
- Pedicle Grafts. If you have adequate gum tissue near the affected tooth, a graft can be created by using this excessive tissue. The flap of gum tissue is partially cut with an edge remaining attached to the gumline. Then, the tissue is stretched to cover the area where the root is exposed. The gum tissue is then sutured into place.
- Allograft. An allograft is an alternative material that is not your own tissue. Rather, the material is from donated human tissue that has been medically processed and prepared. You will experience less discomfort with this method, as you do not need to have any tissue removed from the roof of the mouth.
Our Specialists Tell Our Story Best
Ramsey Burton, DMD
Dr. Ramsey Burton is originally from Nashville, TN. He received both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Louisville. Following dental school, he completed periodontal specialty training at the University of Kentucky.
Courtney Shearer, DMD, MS
Dr. Courtney Shearer was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She attended Washington and Lee University for her undergraduate degree. She then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where she received her Doctorate in Dentistry.
Jodie Lusby, DMD, MSD
Dr. Jodie Lusby is a Board Certified Periodontist and grew up in Florence, KY. He attended the University of Kentucky where he received his biology degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then attended the Louisville School of Dentistry.
Gum Grafting Aftercare
To facilitate your healing, it is important to follow the post-procedure instructions we provide. Avoid hard foods for several weeks following your procedure and avoid any foods or liquids that are extremely hot or cold. We might prescribe pain medication if necessary or antibiotics to help avoid infection. If you follow our instructions, your gum graft will heal within a couple of weeks.
The most important thing you can do after your gum grafting is to continue to exercise good oral hygiene habits at home. Brush your teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes each time, and continue flossing regularly. Along with these important at home care practices, be sure you continue scheduling regular visits every six months. During these routine checkups, PerioImplant Associates will conduct consistent cleanings and monitor the overall state of your oral health, identifying and stopping issues before they develop.
Your Gum Grafting Treatment Costs
The cost of your gum grafting treatment will vary based on your personal needs and your specific treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of your gum grafting treatment and each of your available payment options before we begin, so we can make the best choice together for your situation.
A Warm and Caring Welcome to Our Practice
Our entire team at PerioImplant Associates has one simple primary objective, and that is to serve you. It can be quite natural to be apprehensive or anxious about visiting a general dentist or a periodontist. Understanding those feelings, we will always take our time in explaining the benefits of your procedure that is being proposed. Both offices, Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN, are completely educated to address all issues and concerns. We will share the aspects and benefits of periodontal treatment, introduce our staff, and explain any general office policies. Call us today about an evaluation for a gum grafting procedure for you. Each of us will greet you with a smile and send you home with a healthy smile of your own that you will be eager to share.