Gingival grafting covers exposed teeth roots and adds volume to the gum line. This dental treatment is ideal for patients dealing with gum recession or thinning. Receding gums is a condition that pulls gum tissue away from teeth and ends up exposing the roots of your teeth.
It can be caused by multiple factors, like age and genetics, but also by brushing too aggressively. An exposed tooth root can lead to sensitivity, pain, and even tooth loss. Gum grafting aims to replace lost tissue and prevent further dental decay.
Whether you are looking for a smile makeover or have a specific dental condition you’d like to treat, Pine Desert Dental can offer you a procedure fitted to your needs. If you’d like a consultation for any of our periodontal services, contact the Pine Desert Dental team or visit our clinic in Sisters, Oregon.
During your consultation, Dr. Sunitsch will discuss the periodontic treatments that can help your case. Once your medical history and condition are reviewed, he will check your gums and teeth, focusing on the possible recession you may have.
Dr. Sunitsch will cut your gums and create a small flap, exposing the needed surface during a gingival grafting procedure.
Once your roots have been carefully washed and disinfected, your dentist will create an incision on the roof of your mouth and remove a small portion of the tissue. Dr. Sunitsch will suture the area and stitch the gum graft into the receded area.
Dr. Sunitsch will apply a gauze you can remove a couple of hours after the procedure once the treatment is complete. Your dentist will monitor your case until they determine you can go home.
Depending on the state of your case and your response, Dr. Sunitsch will provide you with post-treatment guidelines you should follow.
A gingival grafting could cause discomfort, so your dentist will numb your gums before the procedure. Dr. Sunitsch applies sedation in some cases. During your consultation, you will discuss the sedation dentistry options available.
Once the anesthesia effects wear off, you may feel pain. Dr. Sunitsch will probably prescribe pain medication you’ll be expected to take as indicated.
The recovery process after a gingival grafting procedure involves a check-up a week after the treatment and constant follow-up visits. Bleeding, swelling, and discomfort are normal after gingival grafting. To reduce the discomfort after your procedure, we recommend doing the following:
Post-treatment symptoms like bleeding, swelling, and bruising are expected but should start to fade away within the first 24-48 hours. If these continue a week after the procedure or you notice signs of infection, like pus, we recommend talking to your dentist.
Pine Desert Dental offers gingival grafting procedures to help patients who want a smile makeover or treatment for dental conditions.
Dr. Zach Sunitsch and the Pine Desert Dental team can handle all your dental needs. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Oregon Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
We offer comprehensive dental services, including periodontal treatment.
If you’d like more information, call us at (541) 549-01-09 or request an appointment online. You can also visit us at our clinic in Sisters, Oregon.
