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!
Actual Patients Before and After Results
The patient had extreme dental fear and avoided the dentist for her entire life.
She came in with a broken front tooth and multiple failed adjacent teeth.
We started with gum surgery and completed it with a porcelain crown-bridge combination. This was the least invasive route, and she was most comfortable with it.
She is now seeing the value of self-care and self-worth. She visits us regularly to maintain her most valuable asset, her self-esteem.
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.
Soft Tissue Grafting FAQ
What is soft tissue grafting?
Soft tissue grafting is a dental procedure that involves improving the soft gum tissues surrounding your teeth or dental implants. The process is carried out by taking healthy tissue from another area of your mouth or a donor and grafting it to the needed area. This procedure can help increase comfort, improve the visual appeal of the tooth, and boost oral health.
Is soft tissue grafting painful?
If the tissue used for the graft is taken from your mouth, it may cause more discomfort than using tissue from a donor. However, if no tissue is taken from your mouth and proper anesthesia is used during the procedure, there should be no pain. There may be slight discomfort following the process, but this should fade quickly and can often be managed by over-the-counter pain medications.
How long will my stitches remain following my graft?
Most dentists today use dissolvable stitches. These stitches will dissolve anywhere from 4 to 7 days following your procedure. If a liquid band-aid is used, it will peel off within 1 to 2 weeks.
How long will it take to heal from my soft tissue graft?
It typically takes one to two months to fully recover from a gum graft. The formation of blood vessels will occur in the grafted tissue to aid in healing the new tissue. Your wound should also become stable so that you can recover within this period through a process called vascularization.
Will my soft tissue graft look natural?
Great news! Yes, your gum graft will look completely natural after it has healed. People will never be able to notice that you’ve undergone a graft. This is because the tissue implanted comes from the mouth and blends in perfectly.
How long until I can brush my teeth following a soft tissue graft?
Once 24 hours have passed following your procedure, you should be able to brush your teeth. Dr. Nguyen will give you more detailed instructions on the dos and don’ts following your grafting procedure. For instance, you will want to use a soft-bristled brush. As long as you follow any provided instructions, you should be able to brush without hindering your recovery.
What our Patients Say
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~ Elizabeth Di Filippo★★★★★
A friend had gum grafting done with Dr. Nguyen and shared photos of her results with me. After years of putting it off because I was afraid of the procedure, I booked an appointment at Tansley Woods and was so happy with their care, I've decided to make them my go-to dental office (after 30 years with my old office!). I'm usually very anxious before visits to the dentist but Dr. Nguyen was so gentle and the whole staff is so welcoming. It was a great experience and I'm so glad I decided to have the gum grafting procedure done before my wedding later this year. Highly recommend!
