Soft tissue grafting treats gum recession in Burlington, ON
Gum disease is very common—in fact, it is estimated that over half of people over the age of 30 have periodontal disease to some extent. If left untreated, gum disease can have a wide ranging impact on both your oral health and your overall health and well-being. At Tansley Woods Dentistry, patients in Burlington, ON can benefit from the expertise of Dr. Nguyen, who offers a number of effective gum disease therapies to treat both the underlying infection and the negative effects it has had on your mouth. For patients who have suffered from gum recession, soft tissue grafting can help restore your natural gum line for a healthier and a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Periodontal disease explained
Gum disease has a variety of underlying causes and risk factors, but among the most prevalent is insufficient removal of plaque and debris from the teeth on a regular basis. Plaque is a sticky, clear film that develops on the teeth, particularly after eating sugary or starchy foods, and bacteria thrive in this environment. If plaque is not removed with thorough brushing, flossing, and routine dental hygiene visits, the bacteria begin to multiply and produce toxic by-products that begin to erode not just your gums, but also the supporting bone, fibers, and other tissues in your mouth. In its early stages, gum disease is called “gingivitis” and can have only mild symptoms such as red, swollen gums, bad breath, or a little bleeding when you brush and floss, but as it progresses into periodontitis, the more serious form of gum disease, it can lead to:
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
- Gum recession
- Systemic health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer
Soft tissue grafting for gum recession
When gum tissues begin to recede, it can cause both discomfort and oral health problems because the tooth roots become exposed, which are not protected by a hard layer of enamel like the crown of your teeth. As such, if you are experiencing gum recession, Dr. Nguyen may recommend a gum restoration procedure called soft tissue grafting. This gum recession treatment is designed to restore a natural-looking, healthy gum line, which helps:
- Protect your teeth from decay and disease
- Reduce pain and sensitivity
- Enhance the appearance of your smile
In this procedure, Dr. Nguyen uses AlloDerm™ regenerative tissue to repair your gums and support healthy tissue regeneration for long-term results.
Many patients don’t know they have gum disease until it has progressed to a later stage that is more difficult to treat. One of the best ways to prevent gum disease and its negative health effects is to see your dentist for routine cleanings and check-ups so we can evaluate the health of your gums and begin treating gum disease before it has a chance to progress. Dr. Nguyen provides non-judgmental, compassionate care and is dedicated to helping his patients achieve their best oral health. To schedule your appointment at Tansley Wood Dentistry, call our Burlington, ON office today at (289) 273-4289!
All about soft tissue grafting at Tansley Woods Dentistry explained by Dr. Thelam Nguyen
What is soft tissue grafting?
At Tansley Woods Dentistry, a lot of patients ask us to do soft tissue grafting. It is a method of treatment for gum recession.
The gum is important in protecting your teeth. If you have a receding gum line, that means that protection is lessening.
What are the different ways of doing soft tissue grafting?
There are two ways to do soft tissue grafting in our office. The traditional way is when we take the tissue from the top of your palate and transfer it down to the area of treatment.
The second is a procedure called AlloDerm soft tissue grafting. This is when we use a tissue donor, and we don’t have to take the tissue from the top of your palate.
How is the procedure performed?
The procedure takes about an hour to an hour and a half. The patient will be numb with a local anesthetic. Once we prepare the root surface of the recession area, we secure the graft into your teeth with sutures.
Afterwards, we let the actual gum cover the graft completely, and this healing process takes about two to three months.
