Is Your Smile Looking a Little Long in the Tooth?
Gum recession happens when the top edge of the gums moves down the tooth, exposing part of the root. It can happen for a few reasons, such as bruxism (tooth grinding), brushing too hard, or because your teeth are positioned too close to the outer edge of the gums.
Some people naturally have gums that are too thin, which can also compromise the health of the attachment.
In either case, you may struggle with issues like:
- Sensitive teeth.
- Tenderness when you bite or chew.
- Cosmetic issues like teeth that look too long or show dark areas near the gums.
- Increased risk for cavities on the exposed root surfaces.
- Shifting teeth or changes to your bite.
We understand how uncomfortable and worrying these issues can be. But don’t worry, there’s a solution!
Our expert team of dentists and periodontists have the advanced training and surgical skill to provide safe and comfortable gum grafting in Washington Heights, NY to restore your gums and protect your teeth.
What is Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting is a procedure where a dentist or periodontist takes healthy gum tissue from another part of your mouth and attaches it to the areas where your gums have receded. This helps cover exposed roots, reduce sensitivity, and improve the overall health of your gums.
Plus, it can enhance the look of your smile by restoring normal proportions and covering unsightly dark areas.
Some patients benefit from an alternative approach that increases the thickness of the gums to add strength and prevent other issues like recession or tooth loss.
Gum Grafting Benefits
- Reduce your risks for a specific type of decay that can be very hard to treat.
- Alleviate painful tooth sensitivity.
- Prevent further gum recession.
- Improve the appearance of your smile.
- Decrease the likelihood of losing your teeth.
- Stabilize the position of your teeth to protect healthy function
- Boost self-confidence.
What is the Process of Getting Gum Grafts?
Wondering how gum grafting works? Here’s a simple breakdown:
Step 1: Consultation
First, you’ll meet with our friendly team to discuss your needs. Your smile deserves personalized attention and not a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. We want to understand the factors that lead to your gum problems and what goals you have for how gum grafts can help.
Step 2: Preparation
In some cases, we may recommend other treatments like a thorough teeth cleaning to prepare your teeth for the best possible outcome. When you’re ready, we’ll ensure a completely painless experience with safe and effective pain control.
There are many different approaches to gum graft surgery. Our periodontist will fill you in on the best approach for your specific needs. Then, he’ll prepare the site for the graft.
Step 3: Graft Placement
Healthy gum tissue will be gently placed where needed. In most cases, that means covering the exposed root surfaces in areas of recession. Grafts can also strengthen and add thickness to the tissue to prevent further recession. We’ll add dressings to ensure the graft stays securely in place while you heal.
Step 4: Healing
Over the next two weeks or so, your healthy new gum tissue will heal in place. It’s normal for the tissue to shrink a little, so your gum line may change while you heal. We’ll give you thorough care instructions and provide any prescriptions you’ll need to ensure a smooth recovery
It’s a straightforward process designed to get you back to smiling comfortably! The final result is a strong, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
Why Choose Fort Washington Dental Associates for Gum Grafting?
At Fort Washington Dental Associates, we’re committed to your oral health. Our skilled team and expert periodontist use the latest techniques to ensure the best outcomes.
We understand that gum grafting is an investment, both financially and physically. To ensure you get the best possible long-term results, we’ll continue to support your gum health with regular maintenance appointments so we can monitor the health of your gums and resolve developing issues as early as possible.
Don’t let receding gums or sensitive teeth hold you back. Contact Fort Washington Dental Associates to schedule your consultation for gum recession treatments in Washington Heights, NY today. Let us help you achieve a healthier, happier smile!
