What is Soft Tissue Grafting?
Gum recession is a common issue affecting 4%-12% of adults, and even with regular dental care, you may need a soft tissue graft for gum recession at some point. There are various reasons for this condition, including diabetes, hormonal changes, or even your family history. If you’ve been told you have receding gums, don’t worry – you’re not alone.
Gum recession happens when the gum tissue around the teeth pulls back, exposing the tooth or its roots. This gradual process can lead to tooth sensitivity, bone damage, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Fortunately, soft tissue grafting can help reverse the damage and restore your gum health.
Types of Gum Tissue Grafts
At North York Dental, we offer three types of gum tissue grafts tailored to your needs:
- Connective Tissue Grafts: The most common type used to repair multiple areas of gum recession. Your dentist will remove tissue from the roof of your mouth and stitch it over the exposed roots to restore the gum line.
- Free Gingival Grafts: Used for strengthening weak gum tissue. A small piece of tissue is taken from your palate and attached to the affected area. Alternatively, your dentist may use freeze-dried human tissue.
- Pedicle Grafts: A pedicle graft uses healthy gum tissue next to the exposed root. This type of graft is only possible if the surrounding tissue is thick and healthy.
Gum Tissue Grafts Postoperative Care
After your soft tissue grafting procedure, you can return home the same day. If no tissue was removed during the procedure, you may not experience much discomfort. However, if tissue was removed, you might feel mild discomfort for a few days. Most patients heal quickly, and your dentist will provide medication to manage any pain.
Here are some tips for a smooth recovery:
- Rest and avoid physical activity for the first 24 hours.
- Refrain from touching the surgical site.
- Do not brush or rinse your mouth the day of surgery.
- After 24 hours, use a mouth rinse to kill bacteria.
- Stick to soft foods and liquids for a couple of days, and avoid hot foods and drinks.
- Be gentle when brushing near the surgery site, using a soft toothbrush after a month.
Have more questions about soft tissue grafting? Contact North York Dental today at 416-494-7878 to schedule your consultation.