Jim Shelton, DDS
619-448-8998
drharley@home.com
Dental Conditions
Grafting
When your mouth is healthy, your gums are snug against your teeth and the root doesn't show.
Unfortunately, in some cases the gums have pulled away from the tooth and some of the root surface is exposed. This apparent lengthening of the teeth can really age a person's smile. If left uncorrected, the loss of protective gum tissue may also mean even more severe problems down the road.
Fortunately, a procedure called grafting can correct this problem.
The first step in placing a graft is to thoroughly numb the involved areas. Then the graft is taken from the donor site on the palate (the roof of your mouth).
In some cases, the incision heals on its own; it can also be closed with a stitch or two.
At the site of the graft, your dentist gently separates the gums from the tooth. This creates a flap and gives us access to the area. Your dentist then carefully removes any plaque and tartar from the root surfaces.
The graft is strategically placed and carefully stitched in place.
After healing for a few weeks, the grafted tissue blends in beautifully. The results?
The gums have been restored and strengthened, the root surface is covered and protected, and the tooth now has a much more natural and pleasing appearance.
