Scenarios Where You Might Need A Gum Graft

Are you noticing issues with your gums every time you smile for a photo or brush your teeth at night? Your local dentist might have some options for you, and one of those options could be opting to get a gum graft. A gum graft is a procedure that is used to correct gum recession. Tissue is taken from a different part of your mouth or from a donor and then transplanted to the part of your mouth where your gums are receding. Here are some scenarios where this might be a procedure worth looking into. 

Your Teeth Are Too Sensitive

When your gums start to recede, you will expose more of your tooth roots. This part of each tooth can be very sensitive. If you are wincing every time you drink something hot or cold, your receding gumline could be to blame. By putting new tissue over the affected spot and covering the exposed roots, you will be able to make your sensitivity problem go away.

Your Smile Needs Improvement

Beyond the sensitivity or pain associated with a receding gumline, it also does not look great from an aesthetic point of view. If you don't like opening your mouth to smile during photos because your gum line is uneven or just looks odd, a gum graft can help restore a more normal appearance to your mouth and give you peace of mind and confidence again when it's time for the next photo with family or friends.

You Are in Danger of Losing Teeth

When your tooth roots are exposed, you are also in danger of more than just a little sensitivity. Your tooth roots can be more easily damaged when they are exposed and could start to decay. If you don't get this issue taken care of soon enough, you risk damaging your tooth enough that you will lose the tooth entirely. A gum graft adds protection that will keep bacteria from getting directly to the root and will hopefully allow you to keep your teeth intact.

Improve Overall Oral Health

When a receding gumline goes untreated, you will be going down the path toward periodontal disease. This is a full-on infection that will damage and destroy your teeth. You will also be at risk of losing some of your jawbone. Bone loss will occur when some of your teeth get removed and your body thinks you no longer need a jawbone in that part of your mouth to hold a tooth in place. You can avoid all of these problems by heading to a local dentist and discussing a gum graft or any other options the dentist suggests.

Contact a clinic like Comprehensive Dental Care for more information.