Receding gums are a serious issue that not only affects the look of your smile but can cause you to lose your teeth without treatment. One of the principal methods of treating receding gums is soft tissue grafting and See Me Smile Dental of Oxnard is proud to offer it as an option for our patients.
Your gum tissue is supposed to be snug against your teeth to help hold each one in place. When this tissue pulls away from a tooth, you have a condition known as gum recession. This exposes too much of the tooth to the air and can even expose the root. The tooth may become sensitive or painful.
If gum recession becomes too severe, the tooth can become loose and may need to be extracted. The surrounding bone can also be damaged.
Periodontal disease is the primary cause of gum recession. This is a bacterial infection of the gums caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar. If left untreated, it progresses to the point where tooth loss is inevitable.
Other factors can also cause receding gums. These include genetics, overbrushing, and issues with your immune system. Teeth grinding, smoking, tobacco use, and improperly fitted dentures can all cause gum recession.
Soft tissue grafting is a surgical procedure in which a dentist with special training removes a section of gum tissue or tissue-producing proteins from an area that does not need it and attaches it to one that does. This specialized procedure is also referred to as gum grafting.
The graft attaches to the remaining gum tissue and stabilizes the tooth, securing it in place. This both prevents the loss of the tooth and improves the appearance of your smile.
Soft tissue grafting is one of the few ways to regenerate gum tissue and heal receding gums. There are several different types of this procedure.
A connective tissue graft uses tissue from the top of the mouth. A small section of this tissue is removed and grafted onto the area that needs new gum tissue. This is the most common type of soft tissue grafting.
This is a version of soft tissue grafting in which the affected gum tissue is removed before a connective tissue graft is performed. It is more invasive than a normal connective tissue graft. It is performed when the remaining gum tissue is too weak and needs to be strengthened.
Some people naturally have more gum tissue than others, and sometimes there is an excess amount that can be removed from one area of the gums and used as a graft on another. This procedure is also used for cosmetic grafting.
This type of soft tissue graft uses tissues from a donor tissue bank. The tissue comes from a variety of sources and might be tissue-building proteins instead of actual tissue.
Your provider will use anesthetics to make certain the procedure does not cause you pain or discomfort. You may experience some pain or irritation immediately following the procedure, however.
The cost of soft tissue grafting depends on how much damage has been done to the gums and if other issues need to be treated first, such as periodontal (gum) disease, as well as the type of graft that is needed.
Insurance may or may not provide coverage for your soft tissue graft. Our staff will contact your insurance company and provide you with a financial breakdown of your costs before the procedure. We are also happy to offer financing options and payment arrangements if you need them to help you get the care you need.
Call See Me Smile Dental of Oxnard at (805) 716-6890 to see if soft tissue grafting is an option for you!
Dr. Omid Barkhordar, DDS has earned his reputation as a leading family and cosmetic dentist in See Me Smile Dental Oxnard,, the Central Coast, and Southern California. He is committed to providing patients of all ages with compassionate care.
From general dentistry to advanced procedures, Dr. Omid uses innovative technology and gentle techniques to deliver safe and stress-free dental care so patients can enjoy a painless, healthy, and gorgeous smile.
Dr. Omid earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Dentistry in one of the best dental programs in the United States. His dedication to helping patients achieve their perfect smile has earned Dr. Omid the continued trust and recommendation of many clients.
No matter the age or needs of the patient, Dr. Omid is committed to helping you discover the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile.
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