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Stop the process of tooth decay and bone loss while enjoying a more beautiful smile.

Gum Graft Surgery is necessary if you have advanced stages of gum recession and it’s been recommended to protect your teeth from further damage or bone loss. You may also choose to have the surgery for cosmetic reasons, such as to eliminate a “toothy” smile and achieve a more symmetrically even gum line. There are 3 types of Gum Graft Surgery. Dr. Forbes can explain your options and help determine the best approach for enjoying a more beautiful smile today.
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Learn About TEETH-IN-A-DAY Dental Implant PROCEDURE
from Dr. Forbes

Arielle Forbes, DMD

Grafting procedures to restore your tissues to as close to their previous form following tooth loss, gum disease or trauma.
Dr. Forbes utilizes recent advances in medicine, state-of-the-art technology, and minimally invasive techniques to allow patients to undergo grafting procedures and experience quick recovery without complications. When you meet with Dr. Forbes, you can feel confident knowing that your overall gum health and oral care are evaluated and addressed.

Working in a state-of-art dental surgical facility with a fully staffed in-house lab, Dr. Forbes and her team of experts can handle all your dental needs, all in one office, often in just one day. No need to travel to different offices, meeting with multiple doctors. 

We don’t think you’ll find a more convenient, precise, comfortable, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing General Dentistry solution anywhere else in the Odenton area.
01
WHAT IS Gum Graft Surgery?
Gum Graft Surgery (also called Gingival Graft Surgery) is necessary to protect your teeth from gum recession, which is also known as Gingival Recession. Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth shrinks back or wears away, exposing more of the tooth, or the tooth's root. As a result, your teeth start to look longer (i.e., a “toothy” smile) and you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold. You may even have pain as more of your tooth and its root become exposed. Eventually, gums can recede so much that tooth roots are almost completely exposed. This robs them of nutrients and leaves them open to attack by bacteria, ultimately leading to decay and removal.

Surprisingly, gum recession is fairly common among many Americans. It’s estimated that 5-10% of adults are afflicted with this problem, which can often go unnoticed until it becomes severe. 

During Gum Graft Surgery, Dr. Sinha addresses the problem by taking tissue from the roof of your mouth and attaching it to the remaining gum tissue to cover the exposed root. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth and will result in a more even gum line. The procedure will also reduce sensitivity as well as help prevent further loss of gum tissue.
02
WHAT ARE the causes of Gum Recession?

Receding gums may be caused by the following factors or a combination of these factors:

Aggressive brushing can traumatize the tissue and lead to permanent damage.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection that can destroy the connective fibers and create pockets between the gums and the teeth.

Smoking or any kind of tobacco use has devastating effects on the entire oral cavity.  Chewing tobacco, in particular, aggravates the gingival lining of the mouth and causes gum recession if used continuously.

Poor oral hygiene, such as poorly performed or neglected brushing and flossing, can result in a plaque build up and begin to affect the teeth.  The plaque contains various bacterial toxins that can promote infection.

Tongue and lip piercings can rub and irritate the gums, wearing the gum tissue away.

Diabetes that is not well managed can negatively affect gum health.

Genetics, especially if your parents had chronic gum recession from gum disease or misalignment, may be predisposed you to develop a similar condition. 

03
WHAT ARE the types of Gum Graft Surgery?

Singh offers three different types of gum tissue grafts. 

1. Connective-tissue grafts: During this most common grafting procedure, the tissue is taken from the flap of skin at your palate (the roof of your mouth) and then stitched over the area of the exposed root.

2. Free gingival grafts: This is similar to connective tissue grafts described above, although the tissue is taken directly from your palate (the roof of your mouth). This method is generally used to thicken naturally thin gums.

3. Pedicle grafts: In this procedure, instead of using tissue from the roof of your mouth, a pedicle graft uses a flap of tissue from the gum of a tooth next to the one with the recession. The flap is partially cut away, with one edge still attached. This flap is called a pedicle. It is then slid sideways to cover the exposed root and stitched into place. 

04
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS of Gum Graft Surgery?

Gum grafting is a common periodontal procedure, and can generally improve function as well as the aesthetics of your smile.

The major benefits associated with gum grafting are as follows:

  • Gum Graft Surgery can help stop the process of gum recession and bone loss, preventing further problems and protecting exposed roots from further decay.
  • Gum grafts can help reduce tooth sensitivity, especially to hot and cold foods. When the tooth root becomes exposed, eating or drinking hot or cold foods can cause extreme sensitivity to the teeth.  
  • Gum grafting surgery permanently covers the exposed root, helps reduce discomfort, and restores the good health of the gums.
  • Gum grafts can result in a more even gum line, making your smile more symmetrical and making the overall appearance more aesthetically pleasing to look at.
05
WHO TYPICALLY GETS Gum Graft Surgery?
Gum Graft Surgery is necessary if you have advanced stages of gum recession and it’s been recommended to protect your teeth from further damage or bone loss. You may also choose to have the surgery for cosmetic reasons, i.e., to improve the appearance of your smile.

If you have any questions about Gum Graft Surgery or if you’d like to schedule a time to review your options, contact Dr. Forbes today to schedule an appointment.
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