Gingivitis and in its advanced state, periodontitis, has a profound effect on the gums and bone. As gingivitis progresses, more and more bacteria and plaque builds up, causing the gums to become swollen leading to bleeding gums. This bacterial invasion doesn’t usually stop there but progessess to the bone where it cause the loss of bone around the tooth. The end result is recession of the gum and loss of bone attachment around a tooth. Leading to sensitive teeth, unsightly recession and early tooth loss. This is why we recommend patients come to office biannually for a check up and evaluation. Patients who suffer from Gingivitis and Periodontitis benefit from more frequent dental cleanings and periodontal maintenance visits.
Gum grafting is the corrective procedure that restores the gum to replace lost gum due to recession. Using soft gum tissue from the roof of the mouth, the receded gums are grafted. The goal if the graft is to cover exposed tooth and root surfaces with grafted on oral tissue. This grafting encourages new tissue growth that will enable the gums to return to its original position around the teeth. The procedure is routinely done by a perioodontist.