Most of us are familiar with a wide range of dental treatments like receiving dental fillings, dentures, and root canal therapy. But dentistry as a branch of health encompasses multiple specialties and many different treatments in order to address our needs.
One such treatment that you may not be intimately familiar with, but is still good to be aware of, is gum grafting. As the name clearly suggests, this unique process is performed to help heal damaged gums and, by extension, boost your overall oral health.
Like chocolate and peanut butter, our teeth and gums go hand in hand. Not only do they hold our teeth in place within our mouths, but they also protect the vulnerable roots of our teeth from harm. Therefore, caring for our gums is just as important as preserving our teeth.
For more information on gum grafting near you, contact our local dental practice!
Facts to Know About Gum Grafting
To help you understand gum grafting better, here are four important facts that you should know prior to undergoing this, or any other type of dental treatment:
1. It’s a simple, straightforward procedure.
Gum grafting is a surgical process that involves removing healthy gum tissues from one area in your mouth – usually the roof of your mouth – to an area that is in need of extra gum tissue. This treatment can be done quickly, only lasting about an hour to an hour and a half. You’ll be good to go in no time!
2. You need to attend two dental appointments.
Similar to receiving a dental bridge, dental implants, or a dental crown, receiving gum grafting in Kelowna requires two separate dental visits.
The first visit is when the actual gum grafting process will occur. Your mouth will need a suitable amount of time to heal. During your second visit, your dentist or dental surgeon will examine the site and make sure that everything is looking good. If you’ve been given stitches, they’ll take those out too.
A third appointment is typically only necessary if any complications arise.
3. It takes over a week to recover.
On average, you’ll need at least ten days to two weeks to completely heal from this procedure.
You may experience some minor pain during such a period, but that’s normal. Your dentist will most likely prescribe Advil or Tylenol to help manage any discomfort. You’ll also be able to get back to your daily routine in a day or two.
4. A gum graft can increase the success the dental implant surgery.
Despite its name, gum grafting is not a treatment that’s just for repairing gums that have been damaged from inflammation, swelling, cuts, or gum disease, or to stop them from receding. Gum grafting can also boost your body’s ability to receive dental implants successfully. How? Well, having healthy gums means that you’ll tolerate the titanium implant better, and any sensitivity to hot and cold will be reduced.
Receiving gum grafting treatment from a dentist in Kelowna also helps to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile by providing you with a more even gum line.
Don’t hesitate to let your dentist know if you have any questions or concerns. You deserve to feel comfortable and calm throughout the entire treatment,
Are you interested in receiving gum grafting from a dentist near you? At Okanagan Perio, we’ve got you covered! Our staff is here to help you restore your oral hygiene however we can. We’ll help you identify whether you’re a suitable candidate for this specific process or if an alternative would be more appropriate.
We look forward to working with you!