Am I a Candidate for Free Gingival Graft?
Gum grafting is a procedure which helps restore receding gums. In many cases, the gums pull away from the teeth due to periodontal disease. The treatment aids in protecting exposed roots while also improving the appearance of the patient’s smile. Gum grafting or a free gingival graft is an excellent treatment option for restoring the gums. The following is a summary of the procedure and an explanation of what makes a patient a good candidate for the gum grafting procedure.
Enhancing the appearance of the smile is just one of many benefits associated with a free gingival graft. Additional benefits associated with the procedure are summarized below:
- Enhanced Smile: A free gingival graft enhances the aesthetics of the patient’s smile. When the gums begin to recede, it can make the teeth appear longer. This can cause the gum line to become uneven and make the patient look older than they actually are. Gum grafting restores receding gums and provides patients with a symmetrical and even gum line.
- Sensitivity: Gum recession often results in the tooth’s roots becoming exposed, which can cause significant sensitivity. A free gingival graft is effective in covering exposed roots and protecting them from sensitivity. Once the sensitivity is resolved, patients can continue enjoying the foods and beverages they love without concern.
- Prevent Decay: When patients have receding gums, the tooth’s roots become exposed and are highly susceptible to decay. A free gingival graft protects the roots and prevents their exposure to harmful bacteria. Protecting the roots is critical in preserving the teeth and preventing damage from decay.
- Natural Tooth Preservation: When the gums begin to recede, it can weaken the structures which support the teeth. Over time, untreated gum recession can result in tooth loss. A free gingival graft works by strengthening the gum tissue and providing critical support to the teeth. This ultimately helps prevent tooth loss.
- Improved Oral Hygiene: As the gums start to recede, it becomes more difficult to practice good oral hygiene. Receding gums create deep pockets where it is easy for bacteria to accumulate. The free gingival graft restores the gum line and allows for more effective brushing and flossing. Practicing good oral hygiene is critical in maintaining good oral health.
Procedure Candidates
In order to determine if a patient is potentially a good candidate for gum grafting, the teeth must benefit from the procedure. A free gingival graft is designed for patients with receding gums who are looking to improve the appearance of their smile and oral health. Patients must work with the dental team directly to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure.
Patients will likely benefit from the procedure if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Receding gums
- Tooth roots which are exposed
- Increased sensitivity
- Dissatisfied with the appearance of their smil
Gum grafting is an effective procedure which can restore the health and appearance of receding gums.
General Health and Gum Grafting
Patients must be in good health and have healthy gums in order to be a good candidate for gum grafting. If a patient has uncontrolled gum disease, they will not benefit from a gum graft procedure as they will experience ongoing recession and likely failure of the graft.
The teeth which are being covered with grafting also need to be healthy. If an infected tooth receives grafting, it can develop additional infection. There are also certain health conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases which may prevent a patient from being a candidate for a gum grafting procedure.
Contact the office today to schedule a consultation with the dental team. The team can aid in determining if you are a good candidate for a free gingival graft. Patients can also discuss questions, cost for the procedure, and expectations during the consultation.
