Gum grafts and lifts, also known as gingival grafts or lifts, can help cosmetically enhance your gum tissue and therefore improve the impact of your smile. If you’ve got too much gum tissue, a gum lift will help reveal more of your beautiful smile, while gum grafts are often employed when receding gums have exposed a tooth root. These procedures aren’t just cosmetic, though; gum grafts can also help protect your smile from other types of damage and possible tooth loss.
Your gums can recede because of damage done by gum disease, genetic factors, brushing your teeth too hard, poor oral hygiene, the use of tobacco products, and teeth grinding. If your gums recede just a little bit, you might want a gum graft procedure to fix your uneven gum line and provide a more pleasing shape for your smile. However, if your gums recede too much, a gum graft might be of great importance to your health. Your gums help hold your teeth in place, so severely recessed gums will cause loosening of the teeth. Also, the exposure of your tooth roots can allow irritants and pathogens greater access to gum tissue and bone, possibly exacerbating oral health problems even further.
A gum graft takes soft tissue from elsewhere and grafts it onto the recessed gum. The tissue is generally taken from the palate (roof of your mouth). This tissue is then surgically stitched to the gum. When it heals, it becomes part of your gum. If there is enough healthy tissue, Dr. Fava can also take gum tissue from the elsewhere along your gums.
You can prevent gum recession and the need for a gum graft by practicing good oral hygiene routines at home, preventing gum disease with regular preventive dentistry visits, and using a soft bristle toothbrush.
Some people have the opposite problem – too much gum tissue. This causes what is often referred to as a “gummy” smile. When you have a gummy smile, people might not be able to see your teeth at all when you smile. Dr. Fava can perform a gum lift procedure at our Brampton dental office, removing excess gum tissue to reduce the look of your gums and lengthen the look of your teeth. If your gum line is uneven, a gum lift will provide contouring for a nice, even look.
Gum lifts and gum grafts both enhance your smile. If you’re unhappy with the look of your gums, contact Brampton dentist Dr. Vince Fava at Torbram Dental to discuss these gum procedures. Our patients also come to us from nearby communities, including Mississauga, Georgetown, and Woodbridge. Don’t let receding gums lead to lost teeth or a gummy smile ruin dim your appearance – we can fix both at our Brampton dental office.