Healthy gums fit snugly against the teeth, completely covering their roots. However, some oral health conditions, most notably periodontal disease, cause the gums to recede and pull away from the teeth. When this happens, some of the roots are exposed. In addition to giving the teeth an unsightly appearance, gum recession often causes sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages. The Dental Group at Central City will suggest a soft tissue graft (also called a gingival graft) to solve the problems that can be caused by significant gum recession.
A soft tissue graft can be performed during a single appointment at our dental clinic in Surrey. You’ll be given an anesthetic to numb your gums thoroughly before the procedure begins – we want you to be as comfortable as possible during the tissue graft. Your dentist will then remove some soft tissue from your palate to serve as the tissue to be grafted. A dressing may or may not be needed to help your palate heal.
Your gums will then be gently separated from your teeth to create a flap and give your dentist access to the area. Before placing the graft, we’ll remove any plaque and tartar that have accumulated on the root surfaces. The tissue from your palate is then positioned and sutured into place. Once the grafted area heals, your smile will be improved and your teeth won’t be sensitive to heat or cold.