When Is It Too Late for Gum Grafting?

If your Calgary dentist recommends gum grafting, the most important thing is to know why and under what circumstances it may be required. Gum grafting fixes issues where the gums pull away from your teeth, often resulting in severe dental problems. Understanding when gum grafting is performed can help you to make informed decisions for your gums and teeth.

Importance of Timely Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is a procedure which includes repairing gums that have been pulled away from the teeth. This must be treated as immediately as possible; otherwise, if we do not, the gum recession will worsen. It could give rise to severe dental issues such as the sensitivity of teeth or even losing teeth and more. Early gum grafting will just avoid these sorts of complications and keep your smile looking good.

Consequences of Untreated Gum Recession

If you have a gum recession and don’t treat it, you could face big problems. Your teeth might get loose or even fall out because the bone supporting them can get damaged. Your teeth might also become sensitive, meaning they hurt when you eat hot, cold, or sweet foods. Untreated gum recession can also make your teeth look longer, which can affect your smile.

Understanding Gum Grafting

Definition and purpose

Gum grafting is a process in which your dentist takes a small portion of gum tissue from another area in your mouth. The area where your gums are pulled back is then covered with this tissue. It protects your teeth’s exposed roots by helping to cover them. This helps your gums to become healthier and your smile to be more beautiful.

Common Procedures

Some of the most common gum grafts include:

• Connective tissue grafts: The dentist takes a small piece of tissue from beneath the roof of your mouth and places it in the area where your gums have pulled back.
• Free gingival grafts: Tissue is taken directly from the roof of your mouth and used to cover the exposed parts of your gums.
• Pedicle grafts: The dentist takes tissue from the nearby gum area and uses it to cover the exposed roots.

These procedures help to cover the exposed part of your teeth and help your gums to heal.

Causes of Gum Recession

Several reasons can lead to a gum recession, such as:

• Smoking: Smoking affects your oral health and thus causes gums to recede quickly. 
• Teeth grinding: Grinding your teeth can put pressure on your gums, which can wear them. 
• Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing well and flossing can cause gum disease. Over time, this can lead to the gums pulling away from the teeth.
• Trauma: The gums may recess if there is trauma caused to the gums due to an injury.
• Misaligned bite: In case your teeth are not aligned properly, it might affect your gum and cause it to recede.

Symptoms of Gum Tissue Damage

You need to watch out for the following symptoms that indicate that your gums might be damaged:

• Swollen gums: Healthy gums are pink in colour and firm by nature. If they are red or swollen, it could be an indication of a problem with the gums.
• Bleeding: Gums may bleed during brushing or flossing if they are damaged.
• Tooth sensitivity: Sometimes, when teeth are too sensitive to hot or cold food, this might be due to exposed roots.
• Exposed roots: When the roots of teeth become exposed, it is because the gums have receded.

When It’s Too Late for Gum Grafting?

Sometimes, gum recession can get so severe that gum grafting might not be an option. Here’s when it might be too late:

• Severe gum recession: It may be challenging to complete the treatment if there is not enough tissue remaining for a graft due to excessive gum recession.
• Significant bone loss: If the bone that supports the teeth is lost, it may be too late for a successful gum graft treatment.
• Advanced periodontal disease: If there is severe gum disease then it might be difficult to perform gum grafting, as it can affect the treatment.
• Infection or abscess: If there is an infection or abscess in the area, it may need to be treated first before considering a gum graft.
• Lack of healthy tissue: If there isn’t enough healthy gum tissue available for grafting, the treatment might not be possible.
• Medical conditions: The effectiveness of gum grafting treatment may be impacted by certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes.

Alternatives to Gum Grafting

There are additional options available if gum grafting is not possible. The dentist may recommend different options based on your specific needs.

• Extraction and dental implants: If the tooth is too damaged, it may need to be extracted and replaced by an implant.
• Monitoring and prevention: During regular dental checkups, the dentist will keep an eye on your oral health and might recommend good habits to help prevent any future problems.
• Desensitizing agents: Special treatments can help you reduce tooth sensitivity caused by exposed roots.
• Composite restoration: In this method, your affected roots will be covered and sealed off from bacteria using a special material or solution.
• Removable gingival veneers: These are similar to veneers that cover teeth and help to protect the exposed areas of the gums.
• Orthodontics: Braces or other devices can help you fix issues with teeth alignment which might be causing gum recession.
• New surgical procedures: With time various new treatments are developed, and your periodontist may recommend them.

Benefits of Early Intervention

Getting treatment early can have several benefits:

• Protecting roots: Early gum grafting can cover exposed roots and protect our teeth.
• Reducing sensitivity: This would make our teeth less sensitive to hot and cold food
• Improving aesthetics: Smiles can look attractive when gums are healthy.
• Following proper hygiene: Healthy gums make it easier to brush and floss properly.
• Preventing further recession: Early treatment helps to prevent the gums from receding.

Key Takeaway

The treatment for gum recession is gum grafting, however it must be performed as soon as possible. If not, the issue may worsen and give rise to more significant problems. Now, knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatments for gum recession, you can make a correct choice regarding your gums and teeth care.

Advanced Periodontal Solutions for a Bright Smile.

Inglewood Family Dental is a periodontal clinic focused on offering advanced gum care and treatment. The skilled team of periodontists in Calgary offers personalized services for gum recession, gum disease, and more. Utilizing the latest technology they provide gentle and effective care for gums and teeth. For top-quality periodontal care and a healthier smile, visiting Inglewood Family Dental is highly recommended.