Soft Tissue
A Solution for Gum Recession
Things like gum disease, aggressive brushing, aging and bruxism (teeth grinding) can cause the gum tissue to recede. This gum recession may make the teeth appear too long, increase your susceptibility to decay, put dental implants at risk or expose the tooth roots, leading to pain and sensitivity. When this is the case, Vancouver general dentist Dr. Sonia Sahi can perform soft tissue grafting to repair lost gum tissue and give you improved comfort, aesthetics and oral health.
Soft Tissue Grafts Can Be Used To:
Cover Exposed Tooth Roots
When tooth roots are exposed, it can change the appearance of your smile, increase the risk of damage and decay, and cause extreme sensitivity to hot and cold. With a soft tissue graft, Dr. Sahi is able to cover the exposed tooth roots and restore the health of your gums.
Thicken Existing Gum Tissue
Stitching donor tissue to the grafting site encourages natural growth. This is effective for thickening existing gum tissue to prevent further recession.
Protect Dental Implants
When gum tissue is lost, it can cause the surgical site of your dental implant to be exposed, which may lead to bone loss and put your implant at risk. It can also affect the appearance of your replacement tooth. When this happens, Dr. Sahi may recommend gum grafting to protect your implant and create the most aesthetic results.
Prevent Secondary Decay Around Restorations
Another instance where soft tissue grafting could be needed is before getting a dental crown or bridge if there isn’t enough tissue at the gumline. Restoring the gum tissue will help prevent the recession and secondary decay that can happen after the crown or bridge is placed.
Benefits of Soft Tissue Grafting
Improves
Comfort
Covering an exposed tooth root with a soft tissue graft will alleviate sensitivity to hot and cold and prevent painful damage or decay.
01.
Creates Better
Aesthetics
Gum recession can make teeth look too long or uneven. Soft tissue grafting will augment gum tissue and create symmetry to improve the appearance of your smile.
02.
Promotes
Gum Health
When used along with other procedures, gum grafting can stop the tissue and bone loss caused by periodontal disease. It also protects exposed roots and implants, preventing further complications.
03.
Does getting dental implants hurt?
Soft tissue grafting is a minor oral surgical procedure that helps you grow new soft tissue, or gum tissue. When performing soft tissue grafting in Vancouver, Dr. Sonia Sahi places graft material (from your own mouth or a tissue bank) in the area(s) where you’re experiencing gum recession or tissue loss. The graft can cover exposed tooth roots or dental implants, thicken existing gum tissue to prevent further recession and/or create a more uniform, aesthetically pleasing smile. Dr. Sahi can perform gum grafting around both natural teeth and dental implants.
Where does the soft tissue grafting material come from?
It depends on the severity of your case and the type of soft tissue grafting procedure we’re performing. The grafting material can come from the roof of your mouth, adjacent gum tissue, or from a tissue bank after it’s been sterilized and processed in a lab.
How does the soft tissue grafting procedure work?
The specifics of the procedure will depend on the type of soft tissue grafting technique used. The procedure usually only requires local anesthesia. However, we’re licensed and trained in sedation dentistry, so that’s an option if you need it!
Once you’re numb and/or sedated, Dr. Sonia Sahi will take gum tissue from a donor source or your palate (roof of the mouth). She’ll make a small incision at the site of the recession to create a pocket, inside of which the graft material will be placed. She’ll reposition the pocket so it covers the exposed root, as well as the donor tissue, before suturing it closed. She may also place protective surgical materials to keep the graft safe.
Over the next several weeks and months, your body will stimulate natural tissue growth and the site will heal. As this happens, the gums will become uniform and the fact that you had a soft tissue graft won’t be evident at all.
Does soft tissue grafting hurt?
Getting a soft tissue graft doesn’t hurt. Our Vancouver dentist, Dr. Sahi, will numb you with a local anesthetic, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. You can opt for sedation as well.
After soft tissue grafting surgery, you may be a little sore. Discomfort is generally mild and only lasts for a day or two. Applying ice to the jaw in the area of the graft and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever will be helpful.
Why should I visit Nest Dental for soft tissue grafting in Vancouver?
- Dr. Sonia Sahi is experienced in a variety of soft tissue grafting techniques.
- We use the latest dental tech to plan and execute even the most complex procedures.
- Our beautiful dental studio is clean and relaxing.
- The Nest Dental team is compassionate, caring and friendly.
- We prioritize safety and have medical-grade HEPA filter air purifiers for surgically clean air, the highest standard of infection control and sterilization, negative pressure isolation and floor-to-ceiling enclosed operatories.
- You’ll find perks for your comfort, including wireless headphones, a TV in your suite and the ability to play your favorite podcast or music.
- We accept most insurances and have transparent pricing and flexible financing.
A Modern Take on Oral Health
Get expert dental care for the whole family in one convenient Vancouver location. With a gorgeous space, thoughtful service and a range of tech, Nest is creating a new kind of dental experience.
