Gum Grafting in Hickory, NC from a Periodontist
Gum recession can expose the roots of your teeth, cause sensitivity, and affect the appearance of your smile. At Hickory Periodontics, Dr. Tate Weller provides gum grafting for patients in Hickory, Conover, Newton, and surrounding Catawba County communities to help protect exposed tooth roots and restore a healthier gum line.
Gum grafting can help cover exposed roots, reduce sensitivity, protect teeth from further recession, and improve the natural appearance of the gums. Dr. Weller will evaluate the extent and cause of your gum recession and recommend a treatment approach based on your individual needs.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession can develop gradually and may have several causes. In some patients, the gum tissue is naturally thin or more prone to recession. In others, recession may be related to periodontal disease, aggressive tooth brushing, tooth position, or other factors that place stress on the gums.
Common causes of gum recession include:
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Naturally thin or delicate gum tissue
- Aggressive or improper brushing
- Tooth position or alignment
- Clenching or grinding that places excess force on the teeth
- Trauma or irritation to the gum tissue
Identifying the cause of recession is an important part of treatment. Dr. Weller will evaluate your gums, teeth, and supporting bone to determine whether gum grafting is appropriate and help reduce the risk of additional recession.
What is Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure used to add gum tissue to areas where the gums have receded or become too thin. The goal is to protect exposed tooth roots, strengthen the gum tissue around the teeth, and create a healthier, more natural-looking gumline.
Depending on your needs, Dr. Weller may use tissue from another area of your mouth or another appropriate grafting material. The type of graft and technique used will depend on the location and extent of the recession, your gum tissue, and your treatment goals.
Benefits of Gum Grafting
Treating gum recession isn’t only about appearance. Restoring and strengthening the gum tissue can help protect the teeth and support long-term periodontal health.
- Protect exposed tooth roots
- Reduce tooth sensitivity
- Help prevent additional gum recession
- Strengthen thin or vulnerable gum tissue
- Improve the appearance of an uneven or receding gumline
- Support long-term tooth and gum health
What to Expect During Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is typically performed in the periodontal office using local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Your treatment will be planned specifically for the areas of recession and the type of grafting needed.
1. Evaluation & Treatment Planning: Dr. Weller will evaluate the areas of recession, your gum tissue, and the supporting structures around your teeth to determine the best grafting approach.
2. Gum Graft Procedure: The grafting material is carefully placed and secured in the area where additional gum tissue is needed.
3. Healing: The grafted area will heal over the following weeks. You’ll receive instructions for caring for the area while avoiding unnecessary pressure or irritation during healing.
4. Follow-Up: Dr. Weller will monitor your healing and the stability of the graft at follow-up visits.
Most patients can return to many normal activities fairly quickly, although the treated area will need time to heal. Dr. Weller will give you specific instructions based on your procedure and let you know when you can resume normal brushing, eating, and other activities around the grafted area.
Am I a Candidate for Gum Grafting?
You may be a candidate for gum grafting if you have gum recession, exposed tooth roots, tooth sensitivity related to recession, or thin gum tissue that may be at risk for further recession.
Gum grafting may be recommended if you:
- Have one or more teeth with receding gums
- Have exposed tooth roots or sensitivity
- Have thin or fragile gum tissue
- Are experiencing continued gum recession
- Want to improve the appearance of an uneven or receding gumline
- Need additional gum tissue to help protect a tooth long term
Every patient is different, and not every area of recession requires grafting. Dr. Weller will evaluate your gum tissue, tooth position, bone support, and the cause of your recession to determine whether gum grafting is the right treatment for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Grafting
Is gum grafting painful?
Gum grafting is performed using local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Some tenderness or soreness is normal during healing, but Dr. Weller will provide instructions to help you manage discomfort and protect the grafted area.
How long does it take to recover from gum grafting?
Most patients can return to many normal activities fairly quickly, but the grafted tissue needs time to heal. During the first few weeks, you may need to modify brushing and eating around the treated area. Dr. Weller will monitor your healing and let you know when you can gradually return to your normal routine.
Will my gums grow back after they recede?
Receding gums generally do not grow back on their own. Gum grafting can add tissue to areas where the gums have receded, helping cover and protect exposed tooth roots and strengthen the gum tissue around the teeth. Treating the cause of the recession is also important to help prevent it from progressing.
How do I know if I need a gum graft?
Not every case of gum recession requires a gum graft. You may benefit from treatment if you have exposed tooth roots, sensitivity, thin gum tissue, progressing recession, or concerns about the appearance of your gumline. A periodontal evaluation allows Dr. Weller to determine the cause and extent of the recession and whether gum grafting is appropriate.