Your Choice For Specialized Periodontal Treatment
As a Harvard University and Columbia University trained periodontist in Marin County, CA, Dr. Michael Seda offers a wide range of periodontal and dental implant services to Marin County and San Francisco, CA. We treat referred and non-referred patients in a peaceful, modern setting, and are committed to partnering with all of our patients throughout their treatment. We are committed to exceeding expectations, and provide the highest level of dental care, to achieve the ultimate goal of optimal oral health for all of our patients
Gum Grafting Options
A gum graft refers to a variety of surgical procedures performed to thicken the existing gums, and possibly cover an exposed tooth root surface to prevent further gum recession from developing. There are several potential causes for exposed roots, the most common of which is periodontal disease. This can also occur due to aggressive brushing.
In addition to improving the look of your smile, having a gum graft procedure performed can protect your teeth from effects commonly associated with gum recession.
At Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, we offer a wide range of periodontal and dental implant services. We treat referred and non-referred patients in a peaceful, modern setting, and are committed to partnering with our patients throughout their treatment. We are committed to exceeding expectations, and provide the highest level of dental care to achieve the ultimate goal of optimal oral health for our patients.
If you are scheduled for a gum graft or if you have any questions about the procedure, please contact our staff, who will be happy to answer any questions or help you set up an appointment.
Grafting Procedure
In most cases, local anesthetic is used during the gum grafting procedure. During surgery, small incisions will be made at the site of the recession to create an opening for the tissue graft. A split thickness incision will be made to create a flap, and the graft will be placed in the pocket between the two sections of tissue.
Sutures are often used to help stabilize the graft and prevent it from moving. Most patients will be healed and notice uniformity of the gums within about six weeks.
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Common Types of Gum Grafting
There are four distinct gum tissue grafts that can be performed based upon your specific needs, which include the following:
- Free Gingival Grafts. A free gingival graft involves using tissue from the palate, or the roof of the mouth. In this process, a small portion of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and attached to the affected gum area. This procedure is effective for patients who already have thin gums and require additional tissue to make the gum area larger.
- Connective-tissue Grafts. This type of graft effectively treats patients with exposed roots. The dentist begins by cutting a flap of skin at the roof of the mouth and removing the connective tissue from underneath the flap, where it is then stitched to the gum tissue that surrounds the exposed root. Once the graft is removed, the flap at the roof of the mouth is stitched back.
- Pedicle Grafts. In cases where the patient has sufficient gum tissue near the affected tooth, a graft may be created using the gum rather than tissue from the roof of the mouth. The flap of gum tissue is partially cut away with an edge remaining attached to the gumline. Then, the gum is stretched to cover the area where the root is exposed. This gum tissue is then sewn into place.
- Allograft. An allograft is an alternative material that is not harvested from the tissue of a patient. Rather, the material is from donated human tissue that has been medically processed. In this method, the patient will experience less pain, as they do not need to have tissue removed from the palate to make a graft.
Candidates for Gum Grafting
Although gum grafting can sound like an intimidating procedure, with modern advances in techniques and materials, it can be quick and painless. There are many benefits associated with having the procedure performed. Following your gum graft, you can begin to enjoy:
- Reduced Tooth Sensitivity: Because your gum graft will cover the exposed root, you may notice that your teeth become less sensitive to hot or cold foods.
- Improved Aesthetic Appearance: Patients who experience gum recession often feel self-conscious about their smile because their teeth can appear to be longer than what is considered normal. By having a gum graft procedure performed, your teeth will appear to be shorter and more symmetrical, which can improve the overall aesthetic appearance of your smile.
- Better Gum Health: Perhaps the most important benefit associated with having a gum graft is that doing so can prevent the progression of periodontal disease. As a result, a gum graft may play a critical role in you avoiding future bone loss or the extraction of your teeth.
Post Procedure
To facilitate the healing process, it is essential to follow post-procedure instructions your periodontist provides you. Avoid hard foods for at least one or two weeks following the procedure and avoid any foods or liquids that are extremely hot or extremely cold. Your periodontist may also prescribe pain medication or antibiotics to help avoid infection, speed up the recovery process, and alleviate any pain you might be experiencing. If you follow these best practices, your gum graft should heal within one or two weeks.
The most important thing you can do following your gum graft is to continue to practice good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice daily and for at least two minutes each time, and continue flossing regularly. If you have not yet, talk to Dr. Seda or your dentist about recommended antimicrobial mouth rinses.
Along with these important at home care practices, to continue enjoying your healthy smile, be sure you continue scheduling regular visits every six months. During these routine checkups, your periodontist can conduct deep cleanings and monitor the overall state of your oral health, catching issues before they develop. By maintaining these habits, you will be well on your way to preventing additional issues from developing in the future.
Treatment Cost
Like most dental procedures, the final cost will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the severity of your case, where you are located geographically, and what type of insurance plan you currently have. Our practice does accept most dental insurance programs, including non-managed care, indemnity (traditional), and PPO out-of-network.
Our staff will be happy to submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance company so you can determine what your benefits will be. Or, if you are not currently covered by insurance or have concerns about the final cost, our staff will be happy to discuss other financial arrangements with you.
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Marin County's Choice For Specialized Periodontal Treatment & Implantology
High Quality Periodontal Care You Can Trust
When you come to Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, you can expect a friendly and professional dental team. Dr. Seda will listen carefully to your dental goals and provide a custom treatment plan that works with your budget and needs. We want you to fall in love with your smile again, so all our services are performed with the patient in mind. We want you to feel comfortable in the dental chair, and to feel confident in our services.
At Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, we aim to provide cutting edge perio and implant solutions in a comfortable and relaxed environment, where patients feel we put them first. Scheduling an appointment for osseous surgery is the first step towards being confident in your smile once again. To schedule an appointment, please contact us today at (415) 482-9901.