Gum disease, genetics, hormonal changes, and overly aggressive toothbrushing can cause the gum tissue to recede. This not only compromises the appearance of your smile but also increases your risk of tooth decay, tooth loss, and other issues. Dr. John Rink can provide a gum graft treatment at his Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, or Charleston, SC, offices to restore your gum line. The procedure involves using donor tissue to enhance both the health and appearance of your smile.
Grafting
The Gum Grafting Procedure
There are three gum grafting techniques used by Dr. Rink:
- Pedicle Grafts: Gum tissues close to the affected gum line are sourced, placed, and sutured to cover the exposed tooth surface.
- Free Gingival Grafts: Tissues harvested from the roof of the patient’s mouth are placed and sutured onto the affected gum line.
- Connective Tissue Grafts: Similar to the free gingival graft, this procedure involves a small incision being made on the roof of the mouth. Tissues beneath the incision are sourced and sutured onto the gum line. The incision on the roof of the mouth is then sutured closed to heal.
We administer a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort throughout treatment. For patients who feel anxious or have difficulty sitting for long periods, we offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation to help you feel calm and relaxed throughout treatment. If you have noticed that you are experiencing gum recession, or if you have not visited a dentist in the last six months, please reach out to a member of our staff.
Recovery
Most patients can return to non-strenuous work the day after a gum graft.
If you receive a pedicle or free gingival graft, you can expect some pain in the roof of your mouth, similar to the feeling of having burned your mouth with hot food. It will take one to two weeks for your graft to heal. During that time, you should take care to avoid strenuous activity and to eat only mild foods such as yogurt, eggs, and bananas.
As you heal, you should not brush or floss near the surgical site. Instead, you will be given a special mouth rinse that will remove bacteria from the area.
Schedule an Appointment With Dr. John Rink
Dr. Rink helps patients establish long-term oral health by maximizing their comfort and dental function, as well as improving the appearance of their teeth. If you have noticed that you are experiencing gum recession, or if you have not visited a dentist in the last six months, please reach out to a member of our staff at (843) 868-5795. We can schedule your consultation with Dr. Rink at our Charleston, Hilton Head, or Myrtle Beach locations for your convenience.
