It is important to treat receding, bleeding or swollen gums as otherwise it could eventually lead to tooth loss, and a gum graft we perform in Progressive Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, San Ramon, CA office can help restore lost tissues.

Dr. Kaeley, one of the best periodontist and gum specialist in the region provides a full range of periodontal procedures including gum graft to treat conditions as a result of moderate or severe periodontal disease.

Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession. Gum graft surgery will repair the defect and help to prevent additional recession and bone loss.

Lots of people have some degree of gum recession as it is often a side effect of advanced gum disease or periodontal disease. Many people don’t even realize that their gums are receding as it is a gradual process.

Over time the teeth can begin to look longer, and they may begin to feel more sensitive particularly when eating hot and cold foods.

It is important to treat substantial gum recession as otherwise it could eventually lead to tooth loss, and a gum graft we perform in San Ramon, CA office can help restore lost tissues.

Gum grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue where absent due to excessive gingival recession. When gum recession is severe, no amount of meticulous dental hygiene will correct the condition or prevent bacteria from accessing the underlying bones of the jaw. In order to correct the condition and prevent further recession, a thin piece of tissue is taken from another area of the mouth (typically the roof of the mouth or from a nearby area of the gum) and applied to the area where the gum is receding through a simple surgical procedure.

Gum recession is an incredibly widespread problem that dentists diagnose and treat on a daily basis. It is important to thoroughly examine the affected areas and make an accurate diagnosis of the actual underlying problem. Once the cause of the gum recession has been determined, surgical and non-surgical procedures can be performed to halt the progress of the recession, and prevent it from occurring in the future.

The most common causes of gingival recession are:

OVERAGGRESSIVE BRUSHING –

Over brushing can almost be as dangerous to the gums as too little. Brushing too hard or brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush can erode the tooth enamel at the gum line, and irritate or inflame gum tissue.

POOR ORAL HYGIENE –

When brushing and flossing are performed improperly or not at all, a plaque build up can begin to affect the teeth. The plaque contains various bacterial toxins which can promote infection and erode the underlying jawbone.

CHEWING TOBACCO –

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.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE –

Periodontal disease can be a result of improper oral hygiene or caused by systemic diseases such as diabetes. The excess sugars in the mouth and narrowed blood vessels experienced by diabetics create a perfect environment for oral bacteria. The bacterium causes an infection which progresses deeper and deeper into the gum and bone tissue, eventually resulting in tooth loss.

The following symptoms may be indicative of gum recession:

SENSITIVE TEETH –

When the gums recede enough to expose the cementum protecting the tooth root, the dentin tubules beneath will become more susceptible to external stimuli.

VISIBLE ROOTS –

This is one of the main characteristics of a more severe case of gum recession.

LONGER-LOOKING TEETH –

Individuals experiencing gingival recession often have a “toothy” smile. The length of the teeth is perfectly normal, but the gum tissue has been lost, making the teeth appear longer.

HALITOSIS (BAD BREATH), INFLAMMATION AND BLEEDING –

These symptoms are characteristic of gingivitis or periodontal disease. A bacterial infection causes the gums to recede from the teeth and may cause tooth loss if not treated promptly.

Here are some of the major benefits associated with gum grafting:

REDUCED SENSITIVITY –

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.

IMPROVED APPEARANCE –

Periodontal disease is characterized by gum recession and inflammation. Gum recession and root exposure can make the teeth look longer than normal and the smile to appear “toothy.” Gum grafting can make the teeth look shorter, more symmetrical and generally more pleasing to look at. In addition, adjacent tissue can be enhanced and augmented during the procedure for aesthetic purposes.

IMPROVED GUM HEALTH –

Periodontal disease can progress and destroy gum tissue very rapidly. If left untreated, a large amount of gum tissue can be lost in a short period of time. Gum grafting can help halt tissue and bone loss; preventing further problems and protecting exposed roots from further decay.

ALLOGRAFT

An allograft is an artificial gum tissue graft and is highly effective. Our periodontist in San Ramon, CA will place the artificial graft, which is a little like a matrix, into the area that needs repairing. The matrix creates a strong biological framework that enables the gums to begin repairing themselves through prompting the growth of brand new tissue cells. This is because the matrix contains sophisticated growth factors that draw stem cells from the bone marrow to the graft site, creating the right environment for tissue regeneration.

The regeneration process restores the tissue to its original condition, so it functions and feels like proper gum tissue, and has the full elasticity and resilience associated with healthy tissue. This is quite different from scar tissue created in response to an injury, and which does not have the appearance and elasticity associated with normal tissue. As the new gum tissue grows, the original matrix is gradually absorbed into the gums, becoming part of the newly created tissue.

This is our most widely used graft as the results are so good and unlike the other gum grafts listed below, there is no need to take tissue from another area in your mouth.

CONNECTIVE TISSUE GRAFT

Connective tissue graft which is used to treat exposed tooth roots. During this surgery procedure a small flap is cut into the roof of your mouth so some of the tissue underneath can be removed. This tissue is called subepithelial connective tissue and is subsequently stitched in place around the exposed to tooth root. The flap in the roof of the mouth is then stitched down.

FREE GINGIVAL GRAFT

Free gingival grafts are quite similar, and use tissue from the roof of the mouth. However instead of creating a flap, a small piece of tissue is removed directly from the roof of the mouth and is used to cover up the exposed tooth area being treated. This surgery procedure might be recommended if your gum tissue is already quite thin, as the graft can help build up the gums in this area.

PEDICLE GRAFT

Pedicle grafts are grafted from the gums near the affected tooth. A flap of tissue is cut away, but remains attached at one edge. It is then pulled into position so it covers up the exposed tooth root and is firmly stitched in position. This procedure is only suitable for people who have plenty of available gum tissue in the area being treated.

During gum graft surgery, Dr. Kaeley may use gum tissue from your palate or another donor source to cover the exposed root. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity.

Gum grafting prevents the threat of bacterial infection and further recession in patients with severe gum recession. The procedure is predictable and reliable, providing excellent long-term results. Other benefits of gum grafting in San Ramon, CA include:

• Reduced sensitivity to hot and cold foods/drinks
• Restoration of the original gum line contours
• Improved appearance of the mouth and smile



A gum graft can reduce further recession and bone loss. In some cases, it can cover exposed roots to protect them from decay. This may reduce tooth sensitivity and improve aesthetics of your smile. Whether you have a gum graft to improve function or aesthetics, patients often receive the benefits of both: a beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health – your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.

We will give you precise instructions on how to look after the area being treated.

You shouldn’t brush or floss around the gum line that was treated until the area has healed. During this time, you will keep your mouth clean using a special mouthwash that helps control plaque during the hearing process.

We might also prescribe antibiotics to help reduce the risk of infection.

It’s best to stick to soft foods for a week or two after treatment, and to avoid eating anything too hot. The source of the gum graft in your mouth should heal relatively quickly, and any discomfort can generally be controlled with prescription pain medication and anti-inflammatory medication. You should be able to return to work a day or so after surgery although your mouth will probably need one to two weeks to fully heal.

Gum grafts can be extremely effective at repairing the effects of gum recession, but it is important to look after your gums in the future. This will help prevent further damage and will reduce the likelihood of needing another gum graft.