Get Your Healthy Gumline Back
Your gums can wear down and recede over time due to a variety of factors. When this happens, your teeth may appear unusually long. Left untreated, gum recession can lead to tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, loose teeth, and even tooth loss, compromising both the esthetics and function of your smile. As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Jack O’Neill has the specialized training and extensive experience to provide treatment for all gum-related issues. With gum grafting he can surgically replace the gum tissue you’ve lost with new tissue, making your mouth look and feel like it’s supposed to. Contact us to request a consultation at our Shreveport, LA office for more information!
Causes of Gum Recession
- Aggressive brushing
- Stiff-bristled toothbrushes
- Tooth misalignment (or malocclusion)
- Periodontal disease
- Teeth grinding (or bruxism)
- Hereditary factors
- Tobacco use
- Age
How Gum Grafting Works
With gum grafting, Dr. O’Neill takes a piece of healthy tissue, typically from the roof of your mouth, and sutures it in the areas where your gums have receded. If you lack sufficient gum tissue for grafting, Dr. O’Neill can use an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in its place. AlloDerm®, a leading ADM, is a mesh-like material taken from a donor source. In this case, he won’t actually have to remove any tissue from your body. Whichever graft material you need, the graft sites will eventually heal and seamlessly blend into your gumline. During the procedure, you will be numbed using the appropriate type of anesthetic. The doctor may also prescribe medication for any subsequent discomfort you might have. Gums typically heal quickly, and if you follow all of your post-op instructions, you may enjoy an even faster recovery. Gum grafting is a highly effective treatment that creates a better balance between your teeth and gums—and a more harmonious and confident smile. This procedure also results in teeth that are less sensitive and more stable. If this sounds like what you’ve been waiting for, wait no longer!
Play Video
- What is gum grafting?
