Gum Grafting

At Comprehensive Dental Implant Center in Henderson, Dr. Hendrickson and his team are dedicated to providing high-quality gum grafting services to help restore receding gums and protect your teeth from further damage. Gum grafting is an effective treatment option that can improve both the aesthetics of your smile and the overall health of your gums.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding your teeth begins to pull back, exposing more of the tooth or even the root. This condition has several potential causes, including:

• Aggressive Tooth Brushing: Brushing your teeth too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles can wear away at your gum tissue over time.
• Periodontal Disease: Gum disease is one of the most common causes of gum recession. Bacteria in the gums can damage the tissue and supporting bone, leading to gum loss.
• Ill-Fitting Dentures: Dentures that don’t fit properly can rub against the gums, causing irritation and contributing to recession.
• Genetics: Some people are more prone to gum recession due to hereditary factors.

When gum recession is left untreated, it can expose the roots of your teeth, leading to increased sensitivity, a higher risk of decay, and even tooth loss. If you’ve noticed that your gums are receding, it’s important to seek treatment to prevent further damage and restore your oral health.

What Is Gum Grafting?

Gum grafting is a surgical procedure used to restore receding gums by transplanting healthy tissue to the affected areas. The goal of gum grafting is to cover exposed tooth roots, reduce sensitivity, and improve the appearance of the gums. At Comprehensive Dental Implant Center, Dr. Hendrickson and his team use the latest techniques and technology to ensure that your gum grafting procedure is as comfortable and effective as possible.

There are three primary types of gum grafts used in gum grafting procedures:

1. Connective Tissue Grafts

Connective tissue grafts are one of the most common methods for treating receding gums. During this procedure, a small flap of tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth (the palate). This tissue is then carefully grafted to the area of recession, covering the exposed tooth root. The tissue helps restore the natural gum line and provides additional protection for the tooth.

2. Free Gingival Grafts

Free gingival grafts are similar to connective tissue grafts, but instead of using tissue from beneath the top layer of the palate, this method uses a section of tissue directly from the roof of your mouth. Free gingival grafts are often recommended for patients who have thin or delicate gum tissue, as this procedure helps to thicken the gums and provide better protection.

3. Pedicle Grafts

Pedicle grafts are different from the other two methods because they use tissue from the surrounding gum area rather than the roof of the mouth. During this procedure, the gum tissue near the recession site is partially cut and repositioned to cover the exposed root. This type of graft is typically used when there is enough healthy gum tissue near the affected area.

What to Expect During the Gum Grafting Process

At Comprehensive Dental Implant Center, Dr. Hendrickson and his team are committed to ensuring your comfort and care throughout the gum grafting process. During your initial consultation, Dr. Hendrickson will evaluate your gums and determine the best type of gum graft for your specific needs. The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia, and sedation options are available to help you relax during the treatment.

After the gum grafting procedure, the gums will begin to heal quickly, typically within a week. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the healing process, and any soreness can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Dr. Hendrickson will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and results.

Benefits of Gum Grafting

Gum grafting offers a range of benefits for patients dealing with gum recession. These include:

• Improved Aesthetics: Gum grafting can restore your natural gum line, giving you a more symmetrical and attractive smile.
• Reduced Sensitivity: Exposed tooth roots can lead to increased sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet foods. Gum grafting helps cover these roots, reducing discomfort.
• Better Oral Health: By restoring the gums and protecting the tooth roots, gum grafting can help prevent further gum recession, decay, and even tooth loss.
• Enhanced Protection: Healthy gums act as a protective barrier for your teeth. Gum grafting ensures that your gums provide the protection needed to maintain your oral health.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’ve noticed your gums receding, don’t wait to seek treatment. Gum grafting is a highly effective solution for restoring your gums and protecting your teeth. Contact Comprehensive Dental Implant Center today at (702) 919-6206 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hendrickson. Let us help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile with our professional gum grafting services in Henderson and Las Vegas.