When gums begin to pull away from teeth, many Seattle Metro residents find themselves facing a common but concerning dental issue. Gum recession exposes the sensitive roots of teeth and can lead to increasing problems if left untreated. Fortunately, gum grafting procedures provide an effective solution for rebuilding healthy gum tissue and protecting your smile.
Call l Scott A. Babin, DDS & Associates at 425-243-0843 for Edmonds or 425-242-3235 for Renton
Understanding Gum Retreat
Your gums might start pulling back from your teeth due to various factors:
- Aggressive tooth brushing techniques
- Advanced gum infections
- Family dental traits
- Tobacco use over time
- Nightly teeth clenching
- Irregular dental hygiene practices
The Gum Grafting Solution
During a gum graft procedure, your dentist carefully places new tissue over areas where gums have receded. This fresh tissue bonds with existing gums, creating a natural-looking repair that shields vulnerable tooth roots and helps stop further gum loss.
Most patients find the procedure straightforward. Your mouth will be numbed for comfort, and the actual grafting typically finishes within 45 minutes. While some tenderness follows, healing progresses steadily in the days after treatment.
Graft Varieties for Different Needs
Each patient receives a personalized approach to gum grafting. Some procedures use tissue from the roof of your mouth, while others might relocate nearby healthy gum tissue. Your dentist will recommend the most suitable method based on your specific gum recession pattern and overall oral health situation.
Healing After Your Procedure
The recovery journey following gum grafts involves several stages over about two weeks. During this healing window:
- Choose cooling, tender foods such as smoothies, scrambled eggs, and well-cooked pasta
- Skip anything crunchy, heated, or highly seasoned
- Follow special cleaning instructions around the graft site
- Use prescribed rinses and medications exactly as directed
- Keep physical activities light until healing advances
More Than Just Cosmetic Improvements
Beyond restoring a balanced gumline appearance, grafts deliver significant health advantages. They dramatically reduce temperature sensitivity, shield vulnerable root surfaces, prevent additional gum shrinkage, and help maintain tooth stability.
Maintaining Your Restored Gumline
After successful treatment of gum recession, protecting your results becomes important. Gentle brushing techniques, daily careful flossing, and regular professional cleanings help ensure your repaired gumline remains healthy and stable.
Gum recession in Seattle Metro can be effectively addressed before it causes serious complications. With today’s advanced grafting techniques, your dental team can help restore both the function and appearance of your gums.
If you’ve noticed your teeth appearing longer or feeling more sensitive lately, these could be early signals of gum recession. Make an appointment at Scott A. Babin, DDS & Associates today for a complete evaluation of your gum health and personalized treatment recommendations.
To visit Scott A. Babin, DDS & Associates, call 425-243-0843 (Edmonds) or 425-242-3235 (Renton) for an appointment. You can also .