A soft tissue graft involves taking soft tissue from one area of the mouth (typically the roof of the mouth) and grafting it to an area where there’s significant gum recession. Grafting can take you from looking “long in the tooth” to the healthy gum tissue of your younger years. If you’re interested in soft tissue grafting in Whittier, talk to your dentist to find out if you’re a good candidate.
Your gums are an integral part of your oral health, as well as the appearance of your smile. When gum tissue starts to recede – typically caused by periodontal disease, as well as bruxism, trauma, and certain oral habits – the roots of your teeth become exposed.
There are three parts of a tooth: The enamel (outer surface), the dentin (middle layer), and the pulp chamber (where the pulp and nerve tissue are housed).
The roots of our teeth don’t have enamel on them. Instead, they’re made up of dentin, which is quite porous. Because of this, when the roots are exposed, you can experience sensitivity to temperatures, particularly cold. Additionally, it is easier for dental decay to develop and progress quickly in the dentin than it is in the enamel. Therefore, gum recession puts you at a higher risk of developing dental decay.
During your appointment, your gum tissue will be numbed with an injectable anesthetic. Then, they’ll remove a flap of skin from the roof of your mouth. That tissue is then stitched to the gum tissue that surrounds the tooth or teeth that have exposed roots. You’ll likely have stitches around the graft, as well as on the roof of your mouth.
It will take approximately one to two weeks for your mouth to fully heal after this procedure, though patients typically return to work the day after surgery.
During the weeks after your soft tissue grafting in Whittier, you’ll need to stick to soft, cooling foods, such as:
Your Whittier dentist will provide you with post-operative instructions that will inform you about things like diet, exercise, dental home care, and medications. You’ll likely need to rinse daily with a special mouth rinse to control plaque build-up. It’s possible that you’ll receive a prescription for an antibiotic as well to reduce your risk of infection.
During your procedure, your tissue will be numb to ensure optimal comfort. Your Whittier dentist may even prescribe a sedative if you’re feeling some anxiety about having this procedure. If you’ve taken a sedative, you’ll need to have someone drive you home.
If your soft tissue graft involves taking tissue from your palate, you’ll likely experience some discomfort for a few days after your procedure. Many patients describe it as feeling like a bad pizza burn.
Thankfully, your soft tissues heal quickly, so any discomfort you feel should go away within a few days. An anti-inflammatory, over-the-counter medication (if you’re medically approved to take them) can help, as can a prescription pain medication from your Whittier dentist.
A soft tissue graft can cost between $600-$1200 per tooth. Many insurance companies will pay a portion of the cost of this procedure. The amount they’ll pay depends on your plan and your annual maximum. Talk to our team about payment options, whether you’re paying 100% out of pocket or paying a portion with dental insurance.
If you have gum disease and experience recession, you’re likely a good candidate for soft tissue grafting. However, if you’re a smoker, a gum graft is not recommended. Smoking reduces the success rate of grafts. And smokers are more likely to develop gum disease and other complications.
Does this mean soft tissue grafting in Whittier is completely out of the picture for you? Not necessarily. If you take steps toward smoking cessation, you might become a great candidate for this procedure. Talk to your Whittier dentist to determine whether you’re a good candidate and what you can do to ensure the success of your treatment.
Protect Your Smile With Soft Tissue Grafting In Whittier!
If you’d like to learn more about this treatment option, contact our team today. Your Whittier dentist is happy to answer all your questions.
CALL (562) 414-5025
OR
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT NOW!
