Problem
The gum surrounding the tooth is too weak or too thin and it recedes. This situation makes the tooth more sensitive to daily aggressions caused by brushing and chewing. When the gums migrate, you can see the yellower roots of the teeth. In addition, the teeth have a longer appearance, which makes the smile “uneven”. If the gums become too loose, you may lose the tooth. Nowadays it is easy to remedy to this situation.
Symptoms of the disease
Teeth sensitive to heat, cold and sugar.
Solution
Thicken, strengthen and solidify your gums for life by doing a gum graft. Don’t worry, the procedure is a minor surgery.
Since there are several options available, a consultation with Dr. Prieur will be the first step.
Gingival Graft
Gingival grafting is an intervention that consists of restoring “strong and solid” gums where they do not exist or are very thin. The ultimate goal is to stop the migration (recession) of the gums around the affected teeth. The gum is removed from the palate. During the healing period the palate is protected by a protective plastic cover for the patient’s comfort.
This cover makes the situation more comfortable. It allows you to talk and eat without being afraid to touch the treated area. Most patients only keep it for 2 to 3 days after the procedure. Then, to avoid any discomfort, it is suggested to avoid foods that are too hot and spicy for a few days.
Allograft
This is the latest “invention” in gum surgery. Instead of taking the gum from the palate, we use an “artificial gum”, taken from a donor, which is treated to make it completely inert and sterile. Compared to the gum removed from your palate, the advantage of this technique is that, in more than 50% of cases, the exposed roots are covered.
Moreover, this intervention leaves no scars and makes the procedure completely “invisible”. No gum colour demarcation is perceptible between the donor and recipient gums. Since there is the insertion of a foreign body, antibiotic treatment is necessary the week following the operation.
When patients take pain medication, this procedure is very comfortable and return to normal activities the day after the procedure.
The use of specialized products and techniques makes it a slightly more expensive procedure than gingival transplantation. Call us for a consultation with Dr. Prieur to determine if this treatment can be applied in your case.
