Gum Grafts
Enjoy Beautiful, Healthy Gums Again
Rebuild Receding Gums With Gum Grafts in Knoxville
Gum grafts in Knoxville can rebuild lost soft tissue when gum recession leaves tooth roots exposed or changes the appearance of your gumline. At Law Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, treatment is carefully planned to protect vulnerable areas of your smile while improving the health and coverage of your gums.
Gum recession occurs when tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth or its root. Because tooth roots don't have the same protective enamel covering as the crowns of your teeth, receding gums leave these areas more vulnerable to damage. Treating significant recession can help protect your smile and create a healthier gumline.
Strengthen the tissue surrounding your teeth and protect exposed areas from further problems.
See How a Graft Protects Your Teeth From the Effects of Gum Recession
Gum grafting is a surgical treatment that adds or repositions soft tissue in an area affected by recession. The goal is to improve coverage around vulnerable tooth surfaces and create a healthier foundation around the teeth. Recession can develop for different reasons, including gum disease, aggressive brushing, naturally thin gum tissue, or other factors. An evaluation determines how much tissue has been lost and whether surgical treatment is appropriate.
Depending on your needs, treatment for gum recession may incorporate conventional surgical techniques or soft-tissue laser treatment. Your dentist can recommend an approach based on the location and extent of the recession and the condition of the surrounding tissues. Your comfort is considered throughout care. In addition to pillows, blankets, and a calm, supportive environment, Nitrous oxide sedation is available when needed.
Choose Law Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for gum grafts in Knoxville.
Protect Exposed Roots
Improve tissue coverage around exposed tooth roots to help protect vulnerable surfaces from damage.
Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
Covering exposed roots may decrease sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages.
Strengthen Gum Coverage
Rebuild areas where tissue has receded to provide healthier coverage and support around the teeth.
Improve Gumline Appearance
Address uneven or visibly receded areas when gum loss affects the proportions and appearance of your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Grafts
Q What is a gum graft?
A gum graft is a surgical procedure used to rebuild soft tissue in an area affected by gum recession. Treatment increases tissue coverage around vulnerable teeth or exposed roots and can help create a healthier gumline.
Q What causes gums to recede?
Gum recession can result from several factors, including periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, naturally thin gum tissue, tooth position, and other anatomical or behavioral factors. Identifying contributing factors helps guide treatment and reduces the risk of continued recession.
Q How do I know if I have gum recession?
Common signs of gum recession include teeth that appear longer, visible tooth roots, increased sensitivity, or changes in the gumline. Recession can develop gradually without obvious symptoms, so a dental examination is often the best way to assess gum tissue levels.
Q Why do exposed tooth roots need protection?
Tooth roots are covered by mineralized tissue called cementum rather than the harder enamel that protects the crowns of teeth. When roots become exposed, your teeth are more susceptible to sensitivity, wear, and decay.
Q Can gum grafting help with sensitive teeth?
Gum grafting can reduce tooth sensitivity if it's caused by an exposed tooth root. Increasing tissue coverage may reduce the root's exposure to temperature changes and other triggers. Sensitivity can have other causes, however, so an evaluation is important.
Q Are gum grafts only performed for cosmetic reasons?
Although gum grafting can improve the appearance of an uneven or receded gumline, a graft isn't performed just for cosmetic reasons. Treatment can also protect exposed tooth roots and improve soft-tissue coverage around teeth. This lessens your risk of damage, decay, and tooth loss.
Q Can receding gums grow back naturally?
Lost gum tissue generally does not grow back on its own. Your dentist may monitor and manage mild recession by addressing contributing factors, while more significant tissue loss may require surgical treatment to restore coverage.
Q How long does it take to heal after a gum graft?
Initial healing after a gum graft typically takes a few weeks, although complete tissue maturation can take longer. Healing time varies according to the extent of the graft, the area treated, and individual factors. Following postoperative instructions can help protect the surgical site as it heals.
