Soft Tissue Grafting - Arlington, VA
At Legacy Dental Implants, we understand the importance of maintaining good oral health. Gum recession is a common dental problem that affects many people. Soft tissue grafting, also known as gum grafting, is a common periodontal procedure that can restore the health and appearance of your gums. Our skilled periodontists offer soft tissue grafting in Arlington, VA, to help our patients achieve optimal oral health.
What is Soft Tissue Grafting?
Soft tissue grafting is a procedure that involves taking gum tissue from one area of your mouth and transplanting it to another area. It is typically done to cover areas of exposed tooth roots caused by gum recession, but can also be done for cosmetic purposes. Soft tissue grafting can improve the appearance of your smile and protect your teeth from further damage.
Benefits of Soft Tissue Grafting
Many benefits are offered for patients, including:
- Improved Oral Health: It can reduce the risk of suffering from gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss.
- Improved Appearance: It can improve the appearance of your smile by restoring a natural gum line.
- Reduced Sensitivity: Recede gums can cause tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold temperatures. It can reduce sensitivity and improve your overall comfort.
Types of Soft Tissue Grafting
There are several types including:
- Connective Tissue Grafting: This involves taking a flap of skin from under the roof of your mouth and using it to cover the exposed tooth roots.
- Gingival Grafting: This involves taking a small piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth and using it to cover the exposed tooth roots.
- Pedicle Grafting: This involves using a flap of skin from the healthy gum tissue surrounding the exposed tooth roots to cover the affected area.
Soft Tissue Grafting Procedure
During the procedure, our periodontist will:
- Numb the area with a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
- Make a small incision in the area where the graft will be placed.
- Tissue is placed over the exposed tooth root and secured in place with sutures.
- Apply a protective dressing to the area to promote healing.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the procedure, it is important to follow our periodontist’s aftercare instructions carefully to ensure proper healing. These may include:
- Taking pain medication as prescribed to manage any discomfort.
- Avoiding hard, crunchy, or spicy foods for the first few days after the procedure.
- Use a special mouth rinse or salt water rinse to keep the area clean.
- Avoiding smoking or using tobacco products, which can delay healing.
Get Your Smile Back with Gum Grafting in Arlington
Soft tissue grafting is a safe and effective procedure that can improve the health and appearance of your gums. Our skilled periodontist at Legacy Dental Implants offer quality and personalized care in Arlington, VA. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about gum grafting today.
