Emergency Dental Work: Topics, Tricks and Tips

Posted on: 29 August 2023

A gum graft might not be a dental procedure many patients know about, but your dentist may recommend one if you suffer from gum recession. Gum recession can be caused by anything from brushing too hard to a genetic predisposition. When this happens, gums pull away from the teeth and can leave the roots exposed. Gum grafting replaces the lost tissue to provide a fuller and thicker gumline.

Here are just four reasons why your dentist might recommend a gum graft to treat receding gums.

1. Reduced Risk of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a type of infection that is often associated with gum recession. With the roots exposed and the gums pulling away from the teeth, bacteria, plaque and food debris can easily penetrate beneath the gumline and create infections. Those infections can be treated with antibiotics, but they can also produce unpleasant symptoms, such as fever and pus discharge. If left untreated, infections can even spread to the jawbone or into your bloodstream.

2. Reduced Risk of Decay

With the roots of your teeth exposed, you'll need to worry about decay as much as infection. Decay develops when plaque produces acids that wear away your tooth enamel, and plaque is able to attack your teeth more easily when the roots are exposed. This issue is made worse by the fact that a decayed root is harder to treat with a filling and can easily penetrate the pulp.

3. Decreased Oral Sensitivity

Many patients will suffer from some level of oral sensitivity when they eat or drink anything hot or cold, but sensitivity can become more acute when the gums start to recede. This is because the roots are thinner and more sensitive. Hot or cold food and drink may cause enough sensitivity to make eating or drinking painful. In some cases, even breathing in through your mouth can cause discomfort. Gum grafts cover the roots of your teeth, so they can significantly reduce oral sensitivity.

4. Improved Appearance

The most important reason to have gum recession treated is to protect your oral health. However, it's always worth keeping in mind that many people dislike the way gum recession impacts their appearance. As gums pull back and more of the tooth is exposed, your smile can be affected. This can easily impact your confidence and make you less comfortable showing your teeth. Since gum grafts replace the lost tissue, they can return your smile to its natural appearance.