Soft Tissue Grafting in Princeton and Flemington, NJ
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Restoring and Protecting Your Gum Line
A healthy gum line is essential not only for an attractive smile but also for the long-term health of your teeth. Soft tissue grafting, also known as gum grafting, is a delicate surgical procedure designed to treat gum recession and cover exposed tooth roots.
At West Jersey Oral, Maxillofacial, & Dental Implant Surgery, our board-certified oral surgeons perform this procedure to protect your teeth from damage, reduce sensitivity, and restore the natural, healthy appearance of your smile.
Why is Gum Recession a Concern?
When the gums recede, the root of the tooth becomes exposed. This can lead to a number of significant oral health and cosmetic issues, including:
- An Unattractive Appearance: Receding gums can make teeth appear unnaturally long and create an uneven gum line.
- Root Sensitivity: Exposed tooth roots are not protected by enamel and are often very sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
- Loss of Supporting Bone: Gum recession is often associated with the loss of the underlying jaw bone that supports the teeth.
- Root Cavitation: The exposed root surfaces are softer than enamel, making them much more susceptible to decay and notching at the gum line.
- Eventual Tooth Loss: If left untreated, progressive gum recession and bone loss can ultimately lead to the loss of the tooth.
The Soft Tissue Grafting Procedure
The goal of a gum graft is to cover the exposed tooth root with healthy, stable tissue. This is typically accomplished by taking a small, thin piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth (the palate) and carefully placing it over the area of recession. In some cases, tissue from a sterile, FDA-regulated tissue bank can be used instead. The procedure is performed with precision in our office and is made completely comfortable with the use of local anesthesia or sedation.
What are the Benefits of a Gum Graft?
A graft covers the exposed root and reinforces thin tissue, preventing the gums from receding further and protecting the underlying jaw bone from additional loss.
By covering the exposed root surface, a gum graft provides a new layer of protection that can significantly reduce or eliminate painful sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.
The procedure restores a more natural and even gum line, eliminating the "long tooth" appearance and creating a healthier, more attractive smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes gum recession?
The most common causes of gum recession are aggressive tooth brushing habits and periodontal (gum) disease. Some patients are also genetically predisposed to having thin gum tissue that is more prone to receding.
Is the procedure painful?
No. The procedure is performed under anesthesia to ensure you are completely comfortable. Post-operative discomfort at both the graft site and the donor site on the palate is typically mild and can be managed with medication.
What is the recovery like?
Recovery is usually straightforward. You will need to stick to a soft diet for a period of time to protect the delicate graft. We will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth and successful healing process.
Schedule Your Consultation
The first step toward resolving your oral health concerns is a personal consultation with one of our board-certified oral surgeons. Contact our Princeton or Flemington office today to schedule your appointment with our expert team and experience our compassionate, patient-first approach to care.