402-421-3401

Gum Grafting

Restore the Health of Your Gums with a Graft

Receding gums can cause dental sensitivity and affect the stability of your teeth. A gum graft can restore the proper height of your gums and combat the effects of gum recession and periodontal disease. In addition, a gum grafting procedure can improve the appearance of your smile.

At our Lincoln, NE, practice, Dr. Andrew Glenn provides safe and effective gum grafts for patients struggling with receding gums. We offer several forms of sedation and anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable during your procedure.

Understanding Gum Recession

When your gums recede, the tissue that surrounds the teeth pulls away. This gradual process exposes more of the tooth, as well as the roots. Gum recession can cause sensitivity to hot and cold foods and lead to more serious oral health concerns, such as infection, decay, and tooth loss. A number of factors can contribute to this problem, including:

  • Gum disease
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Genetics
  • Diabetes
  • Tobacco use
  • Hormonal changes, such as those in puberty or pregnancy

In some cases, grinding or clenching your teeth can also damage gum tissue and trigger recession. Lip and tongue piercings which rub against the gum line can sometimes cause a similar problem, as well. A gum graft from Dr. Glenn can repair damaged tissue and prevent continued recession for improved oral health.

The Gum Grafting Process

Before recommending a gum graft, Dr. Glenn will perform a full evaluation of your oral health to determine the cause of your gum recession. He may recommend an additional treatment to improve the health of your gums prior to the grafting procedure. On the day of treatment, we can administer sedation and anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable.

If you are struggling with gum recession, a grafting procedure can restore the health and appearance of your gums.

The most common type of gum graft is a connective-tissue graft. During this procedure, Dr. Glenn will remove a small flap of tissue from the soft palate and place the tissue over the exposed teeth and roots. In some cases, he can instead perform a pedicle graft, which uses tissue from the neighboring teeth instead of the palate.

Recovery and Aftercare

While it may take a week or two for the treated area of your gum line to fully heal, you should be able to return to your normal activities the day after the procedure. You will likely experience some discomfort and swelling. However, most patients are able to manage their symptoms using over-the-counter pain medication.

While your gum line heals, avoid brushing and flossing the treated area. Dr. Glenn may provide you with a special mouthwash or an antibiotic to reduce your risk of infection. For a week or two after your treatment, eat soft foods, such as eggs, yogurt, and pasta.

Benefits of Gum Grafting

A gum graft can offer a wide range of benefits, such as:

  • Reduced tooth sensitivity
  • Protection of the roots against decay and damage
  • Improved oral health
  • More even and aesthetic gum line

When performed by a skilled oral surgeon under sedation, this outpatient procedure involves minimal discomfort and a short recovery time.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are struggling with gum recession, a grafting procedure can restore the health and appearance of your gums. For more information about grafting or one of the other oral surgery procedures we offer, contact us online or call (402) 421-3401 to speak to a member of our team today.