Premier Dental Centre in Montreal’s West Island

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Gum Graft

Certain conditions and/or habits can cause gingival (gum) recession, exposing the root. In order to treat this condition, your dentist will recommend a gum graft to restore its height and thickness. With this minor dental surgery, it is very possible to return your oral health in its best capacity to ensure that the teeth are healthy and protected by the gums.

When is a Gum Graft Necessary?

Your dentist will suggest a gum graft when the gingiva (gums) have receded a significant amount. This will be a solution to not only help your smile but to protect and maintain the integrity of the periodontal health of your oral cavity.

Why do I Have Gum Recession?

> Aggressive brushing and/or flossing methods
> Irregular tooth positioning
> Bruxism (grinding) and/or clenching of your teeth
> Trauma to tooth and/or surrounding tissues
> Poor oral health and/or hygiene habits
> Genetics

Symptoms of Gum Recession

There are several ways that gum recession can occur:
> The gingiva has an unusual redness and/or inflammation
> There is recurrent bleeding while brushing and/or flossing
> There is increased sensitivity to hot, cold and/or acidic foods and beverages
> Irregularity in the length of the teeth (certain teeth can appear longer than others when comparing)
> Tooth mobility

Gum Grafting: an Important and Beneficial Procedure

Gum grafting is a relatively simple surgical procedure aimed at covering exposed roots and restoring thickness to the gums. This procedure is performed under local anesthetic and is done without causing pain to our patients. The following are the steps to this procedure:

    • The dentist performs a deep scaling of the area to eliminate bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
    • A graft is taken from the patient's palate. The dentist determines its size according to the area to be treated and its function (thickening of the gums or covering of the exposed root).
    • The tissue and membrane is placed onto the treated area and then is held in place with stitches.
    • The gum heals and the graft integrates into the area where it was applied.

The Advantages of a Gum Graft Procedure

1. Strong teeth that stay in place

When gum recession is not treated, the stability of the oral cavity or teeth becomes a concern. It is important to stabilize them in order to prevent them from falling out.

2. Decreased risk of oral diseases

Gum recession can be the sign of an infection of the gums and/or of the periodontal components. Healthy and thick gums reduces the impact and risk of inflammation.

3. A simple and low-risk surgery

At Centre Dentaire NP we use the latest surgical equipment to give you quality care, ease and comfort not only during the procedure of a gum graft but during the healing process as well.

4. An optimal and healthy smile

Gum recession can alter the visual appearance of the teeth. A gum graft procedure can give back the overall aesthetics and uniform look to your smile!