Patients with receding gums in Pittsburgh, PA, have likely been told by a dentist or periodontist that they will need gum grafting treatment to save their teeth. Gum grafting is important because as your gum tissue begins to recede, your tooth roots become exposed. The roots of your teeth are not protected by enamel, and are more susceptible to damage, disease or discomfort. Many times, patients with receding gums experience sensitive teeth, loose teeth and an altered smile.
Dr. Michael Stypula, believes in educating patients on the effects of gum recession and how gum grafting is an effective solution to save your smile.
How Does Gum Recession Occur?
Your gums can begin to pull away from the teeth due to genetics, oral trauma, gum disease, aggressive brushing and flossing or an unhealthy oral structure. Gums that have receded do not return to normal on their own and require professional treatment to return to a healthy state. Symptoms often include longer looking teeth, small gaps forming between teeth, bad breath, loose or shifting teeth, or discoloration near the gum line.
What Are My Gum Grafting Options?
Connective-tissue grafts are the most common form of grafting. A small flap of skin is cut from the roof of your mouth and tissue from underneath is taken and stitched over the exposed tooth roots. Free gingival grafts remove a flap of tissue directly from the roof of the mouth to cover the site of recession. Pedicle grafts take a small flap of tissue from the area surrounding an affected tooth and fold it over the recessed location while leaving one edge attached to its original location. There is also an option to use graft material from a tissue bank instead of the patient’s mouth.
Why Do I Need Gum Grafting?
If you do not seek treatment for receding gums in Pittsburgh, PA, you run the risk of ultimately losing your teeth! If you are experiencing sensitive teeth, then that means the tooth roots are exposed and susceptible to damage or decay. As gums continue to recede, the teeth become loose as they are not held in place firmly and this can eventually lead to shifting teeth or tooth loss.
