Contrary to popular belief, gum disease is not just an issue for older people. In fact, most adults over the age of 30 experience some form of periodontal disease, ranging from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. When gum disease progresses, it can cause damage to the connective tissue in the gums, leading to gum recession.
Luckily, the sooner that gum disease is diagnosed and treated by an expert in periodontics near you, the more opportunities there are to prevent long-term damage to your oral health and things such as tooth loss. Gum grafting in Los Angeles is one of the treatments that our team at Nima Ebrahimi DDS offers our patients suffering from gum recession.
What is Gum Recession?
Just like the ways walls support a house, gums support your teeth on all sides. Healthy gums envelop a tooth and protect it from infection and decay. When gum tissue begins to pull away from a tooth, the tooth’s roots are exposed, making them susceptible to tooth decay and plaque buildup.
One sign of gum recession is your teeth appearing larger than usual. This could indicate that your gums have receded. You should also check your gums for signs of sensitivity. They may be tender, bleed easily, or be inflamed. Gum disease is a common cause of gum recession. Additionally, genetics, hormones, lack of dental care, and overly aggressive brushing can cause receding gums.
What Is Gum Graft Surgery?
Gum disease is often seen by experts in periodontics in Los Angeles, and it can take a toll on your oral health if left alone. Therefore, it is vital to get treatment as soon as possible; the earlier the stage of gum disease, the easier it is to prevent permanent damage and tooth loss. Gum grafting near you is recommended when your gums have receded enough to expose the roots of your teeth.
As your gums pull away from your teeth, they form pockets between your teeth and gums, which are a breeding ground for bacteria. As the bacteria harden into plaque and tartar, you are put at risk for infection, tooth decay, and progressive gum disease. Also called periodontitis, advanced gum disease can cause tissue and bone loss, eventually resulting in tooth loss.
How Does Gum Grafting Work?
Gum grafting is performed in our dental office at Nima Ebrahimi DDS. Tissue is grafted over your tooth enough to cover the exposed roots and restore the natural appearance of your gum line. The tissue for the gum graft is either taken from the soft tissue in your mouth or donated.
Depending on the nature of your procedure, the recovery period for gum grafting usually takes a couple of days, and you will likely have to stick to a diet of soft foods for this time. Your dentist may also prescribe medication to reduce the risk of infection and mitigate any pain you may feel while healing. If you notice persistent pain or swelling, visit your dentist at Nima Ebrahimi DDS for a recheck.
Interested in Gum Grafting?
Gum grafts are a standard dental procedure used to protect your oral health and improve your smile. Gum grafting can also stop the progression of gum disease and other oral health problems. If you would like to learn more about gum graft surgery and other restorative dentistry services available at Nima Ebrahimi DDS, please contact us to schedule a consultation today.
We look forward to providing you with the best dental care around!