Why Are Gum Grafts Performed?

An estimated 23 percent of Americans have gum recession, according to the National Institutes of Health. Gum disease is a leading cause of gingival recession and can not only affect the appearance of your smile, but can also increase your sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages.

To combat these effects and restore the frame of your smile, Dr. Bill Stofer works with a specialist that can surgically place gum grafts in Warsaw, IN. Gum grafts can be performed for oral health reasons or simply to address cosmetic problems associated with gum tissue recession. Once you have restored lost gum tissue, you can regain the ability to smile with confidence. 

Some patients may understandably hesitate to pursue treatment because of budgetary reasons. However, this can undermine your oral health in the long run. If you have questions about financing, our office accepts CareCredit® to help patients afford treatment. 

Receded gum tissue
Gum recession leaves your teeth more vulnerable to both temperature changes and bacterial infection.

Am I a Candidate for a Gum Graft?

Patients who have experienced gum tissue loss due to misaligned teeth, gum disease, genetic factors, aggressive brushing, or other reasons are often ideal candidates for a gum graft. During your consultation at our Warsaw dental practice, Dr. Stofer will examine your teeth and gums to determine if a gum graft is right for your oral health needs.

Although gum graft surgery is straightforward and not heavily invasive, you will still need to be in good oral health and free of any conditions that could complicate surgery and recovery. If habits such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, or poor brushing techniques contributed to your gum recession, you will need to break them to avoid a relapse. 

Benefits of Gum Graft

Patients who undergo a gum graft at our Warsaw dental clinic can benefit from:

  • More even gum line
  • More attractive smile
  • Restored gum line symmetry
  • Reduced sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks
  • Lower risk of dental problems in the future
  • Quick and effective procedure
  • Restored oral health
  • Long-lasting results

Additionally, a gum graft can also ease the side effects associated with gum recession, including bleeding gums and loose teeth. 

How Are Gum Grafts Performed?

Dr. Stofer may recommend a specialist who uses a less invasive surgical technique called the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique. Unlike traditional gum graft techniques, the Chao Pinhole technique does not require the use of scalpel or stitches. Before your surgery begins, the specialist will use local anesthesia and possibly sedation to ensure that you remain relaxed and comfortable throughout your treatment. Then, he will make a small pinhole in your gums near the area of recession. The healthy gum tissue is then elevated and pushed toward the treatment area. Collagen strips are used to stabilize the repositioned tissue.

Full recovery from this outpatient surgery can take one to two weeks. Along with the specialist's care, Dr. Stofer may provide detailed instructions for recovery, which may include directions on how to brush near the surgical site, guidelines for taking antibiotics and other medications, and advice on which foods can be safely eaten while your gums heal.

Dental Solutions team

Dental Solutions

Dental Solutions has been providing high-tech, family-friendly dentistry to the community for over 20 years. We are affiliated with various noteworthy organizations, including:

  • American Dental Association
  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • Indiana Dental Association
  • International Congress of Oral Implantologists
  • Kosciusko County Dental Society
  • Indiana Dental Association
  • Chicago Dental Society

To visit our highly rated dental office, call us at (574) 269-1199 or request an appointment online.

How Can We Help? Today

"Fantastic staff from making my 1st appointment on the phone, extremely friendly, great cleaning and very knowledgeable! Dr. Bill is very personable & put me at ease, we made a dental plan for some extensive dental work I’ve been putting off. Found my new dental home at Dental Solutions, feeling very comfortable & welcomed!
Thank You!"

Renee T.

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