Your gums naturally grow around your teeth, offering support and protection. But years of wear-and-tear or aggressive tooth brushing can cause your gums to recede, revealing more and more of your teeth.
Receding gums are a common dental problem, particularly in people over the age of 40. But don’t write off receding gums as a natural part of aging. Gum recession is often linked to periodontal disease, and deteriorating gums increase your risk of tooth sensitivity, decay, and even tooth loss.
The good news is that a gum tissue graft can restore your gums and enhance your oral health. J. Paul Fuentes, DDS, DABP, and Andrew Peterson, DMD, MS, along with the rest of our team at Arcadia Perio specialize in periodontics and gum health.
We perform gum and tissue grafting to protect teeth, reduce sensitivity, and address your oral health concerns. It’s time to consider gum grafting if you have receding gums and the symptoms that come along with it.
Gum grafting to reduce tooth sensitivity
Your teeth have a hard, protective layer of enamel on their surface. But enamel gets thinner as the tooth travels down into your gums and your jawbone. If receding gums have left the roots of your teeth exposed, you might experience increased tooth sensitivity.
Tooth sensitivity can make eating and drinking painful. Foods and drinks that are cold or hot can exacerbate that discomfort.
Gum tissue grafting is a permanent solution for tooth sensitivity caused by receding gums. The procedure builds up gum tissue to cover the most sensitive portions of your teeth, which makes it possible for you to enjoy your favorite foods, like ice cream or hot coffee, once more.
Gum grafting to treat periodontal disease
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is the most prevalent oral disease in the United States. In fact, nearly half of all adults over the age of 30 have it.
Periodontal disease starts with gingivitis, or gum inflammation. Bacteria and plaque build up on the surface of teeth, irritating gums and causing inflammation. One of the most common symptoms of gingivitis is bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth.
If it’s left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease, which is an infection of the gums. It makes your gums loosen around your teeth and eventually can cause teeth to loosen or fall out.
Gum tissue grafting fights the damage caused by periodontal disease. By grafting healthy tissue onto weak, receding gums, we can help you prevent ongoing decay and reduce your risk of tooth loss.
Gum grafting to improve the look of your smile
For many people, a receding gumline isn’t just a health concern. Gums that have suffered severe deterioration often create visible gaps between teeth.
Gum tissue grafting restores gum tissue around teeth, making them appear shorter and more balanced. If your self-confidence is affected by long, exposed tooth roots, it could be time to consider the benefits — both functional and aesthetic — of gum tissue grafting.
While many people only consider gum grafting at the recommendation of their dentist, it’s a good idea to get familiar with your oral health and recognize the issues you’re facing. Learning more about the benefits of gum tissue grafting gives you the power to make the right decision for your well-being.
Don’t ignore the tooth sensitivity and the oral health risks of receding gums. Schedule a consultation with our team at Arcadia Perio to find out if gum tissue grafting is a good choice for you. Call our office in Arcadia, California, or send us a message online now.