Gum Grafting – Sunnyvale, CA

When gum (periodontal) disease has progressed to the advanced stages, you may develop gum recession and the body loses a natural defense mechanism in fighting bacterial infection. This causes a higher gumline and exposed tooth roots. At our practice, part of your periodontal disease treatment could include surgical gum grafting to revive your gumline. With several different Sunnyvale gum graft surgery options and extensive experience, board-certified periodontist, Dr. Erik Low, will create your custom treatment plan to restore your receding gums.

When there is only minor recession, some healthy gingiva often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when recession reaches the mucosa, the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost.

In addition, gum recession often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance of the gum and tooth. When significant, gum recession can predispose to worsening recession and expose the root surface, which is softer than enamel, leading to root caries and root gouging.

 

A gingival graft is designed to solve these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or gently moved over from adjacent areas to provide a stable band of attached gingiva around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root. In a few weeks, the new tissue attaches to the existing tissue, which becomes almost undetectable to you and functions just as the gingival tissue that you had previously lost. The result is a healthier and more esthetically pleasing smile that lasts for the rest of your life.

As an alternative to harvesting gum from the palate, we offer the option of using an allograft preventing the need for a second surgical site.  An allograft is donor tissue comprised of human dermal matrix that allows your doctor to give you the tissue graft you need, without the limitations associated with harvesting the graft material from somewhere else in your mouth.  As the body’s natural processes take over, your own cells move into dermal matrix.  Over time, your cells transform this matrix into your own healthy gum tissue.  Once recovery is complete, you won’t be able to tell the dermal matrix was ever there.  

The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable, healthy band of attached protective tissue around the tooth preventing further recession.  The result is a healthier and more esthetically pleasing smile that lasts for the rest of your life.

Contact Our Sunnyvale Gum Graft Specialist

Contact our office to learn more about how our Sunnyvale gum grafting can mend your gums, protect your teeth, and improve the overall look of your smile!