South Ogden
Pedicle Grafts
Pedicle Grafts in South Ogden and Kaysville, UT
When your gums recede, the health of your teeth, and your mouth are put at risk. As your gums disappear, more and more of the surface area of your teeth becomes exposed. Eventually, your roots can become exposed, leading to sensitivity. You are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay. Your teeth may become loose, and even fall out. At Cassity & Legacy Implants and Periodontics, we can help to stop your gum recession and restore a healthy gumline with soft tissue graft known as a pedicle graft.
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What Causes Gum Recession?
The most common cause of gum recession is gum disease. As gum disease progresses, your inflamed gum tissue pulls away from your teeth. Bacteria travel below the gumline, further irritating the tissue. As your gums continue to pull away, the gum tissue dies off. South Ogden, UT woman smiling about her successful pedicle graft by her periodontist.
Another cause of gum recession is, believe it or not, good intentions gone wrong. You brush your teeth to remove plaque buildup and bacteria. It is a common thought that brushing harder means that you can remove plaque. However, brushing too hard is detrimental. It can wear away at the sensitive gum tissue, causing a recession. It can also wear away the enamel of your teeth.
Other causes of recession include:
- Bruxism
- Genetics
- Age
Soft Tissue Graft
Receding gums can be treated with a surgical procedure known as a soft tissue graft. This procedure involves taking tissue from elsewhere in your mouth (or donor tissue) and stitching it in place over the areas of your teeth that have faced recession. If your gum recession is the cause of gum disease, this condition must first be treated before we perform the graft procedure. There are a few different types of soft tissue graft, including the pedicle graft.
Pedicle Graft
A pedicle graft is a type of soft tissue graft that uses your existing gum tissue to repair the areas that are lacking. After receiving a local anesthetic, which numbs the surgical area, we make precise incisions in your gums and release the tissue. The tissues are then moved around to strategically cover areas of recession before being sutured into place.
Benefits of a Pedicle Graft
There are several benefits to soft tissue, and pedicle, graft:
- Decreased sensitivity. With the roots of your teeth covered, you will no longer suffer from sensitive teeth.
- Improved gum health. When your gums are attached firmly to your teeth once again, they will effectively seal out bacteria, so long as you continue to brush and floss regularly, as well as get regular dental cleanings and exams.
- Improved smile. With your natural gumline restored, your smile will look beautiful once again. The procedure can even help to give you a boost of confidence.
- With a pedicle graft, no tissue needs to be removed from the roof of your mouth.
- Pedicle grafts have the advantage of the gums retaining their connection to their blood supply. With the blood vessels only minimally disturbed, healing can take place much quicker.
If you have noticed signs of gum recession, be sure to contact Cassity & Legacy Implants and Periodontics today to schedule your consultation and learn if a pedicle graft is right for you.
