What Are the Advantages of a Soft Tissue Graft?
Soft-tissue grafts confer multiple advantages, the most obvious of which is the improved appearance of the gum line and enhanced symmetry of the smile. Aesthetic elevation is by no means the only benefit provided by soft-tissue grafts, however. Receding or uneven gums often come with complications that can adversely affect oral health, and soft-tissue grafts are a straightforward, successful remedy for these complications. The other benefits and advantages of soft-tissue grafts include:
- Gum health improves, revitalizing the healthy appearance and color of the gums
- Oral health improves as enhanced gum tissue protects the teeth and their roots
- A natural appearance and “feel” is restored to the oral cavity
- The procedure is relatively simple, with a quick recovery time
People may not realize that the gums serve a vital purpose in the oral cavity, beyond simply bringing symmetry to the smile. The primary role of the oral tissues that surround and support the teeth is just that: to support the teeth. When the gum tissue becomes inflamed with the infection that characterizes gum disease, the gums pull back away from the teeth, allowing bacteria to enter below the gum line and compromising the health of the teeth and underlying bone, and connective tissues. Reducing inflammation in the gums is the primary goal of treatment for gum disease. When infection has progressed to the other oral tissues, destroying them, periodontal treatment includes the removal of dead tissue, which can mean removing some of the gum tissue. This means that the gum tissue, and possibly also the bone tissue, needs to be replenished before restorative treatments, like dental implants, can take place, and it also may mean that the gum tissue is no longer serving its function of protecting the teeth and bone and must be restored. The gums can also sustain damage from improper brushing and flossing, injury, orthodontic treatment, or previous oral surgeries.
Periodontists are dentists who specialize in treating the tissues that surround and support the teeth, which include the jawbone, gums, and connective ligaments that hold the teeth in place. Soft-tissue grafts can help people recover from periodontal disease by restoring the healthy gum tissue that is intended to protect the teeth and bone. These grafts can also improve the appearance of the gums themselves by replacing diseased or dead tissue with healthy, pink gum tissue. When the teeth are once again protected by healthy gum tissue, signs of receding gums like tooth sensitivity diminish, and the teeth become less vulnerable to the invasion of bacteria and tooth decay, thereby preventing future gum recession. The aesthetic benefits of gum grafts, while not medically significant, can be dramatic, improving the overall balanced appearance of the smile and helping restore confidence and self-esteem.
Soft-tissue grafts are designed to look and feel completely natural and seamless, and your periodontal specialist will ensure that the material they use is the optimal material for both clinical and aesthetic needs. Recovery from soft-tissue grafts is brief, with many people returning to normal activities shortly after their graft procedure, though it does take a few months for the tissues to completely heal. Closely following recommended post-operative instructions will help you smoothly and comfortably, and have you smiling confidently in no time. To learn more about the advantages of a soft tissue graft, the first step is to consult with a periodontist. You may find you’re mere moments away from a renovated, healthier smile.
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