Gum Graft in Clovis, CA

Soft Tissue Graft for Receding Gums

Receding gums can expose the roots of your teeth, causing sensitivity and increasing the risk of root decay and other oral health problems. A gum graft, also known as a soft tissue graft, can help restore lost gum tissue and protect exposed tooth roots.

At Clovis Country Dental, we provide gum graft treatment in Clovis, CA for patients experiencing gum recession. Our dental team will evaluate your gums, identify the possible cause of recession, and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your needs.

What Is a Gum Graft?

A gum graft, or soft tissue graft, is a dental procedure used to add healthy gum tissue to areas where the gums have receded.

During the procedure, tissue is placed around an area of gum recession to help protect an exposed tooth root. Depending on your condition, the graft may use tissue taken from the roof of your mouth or another appropriate source.

Gum grafting may help reduce tooth sensitivity, protect exposed roots, improve the appearance of the gum line, and provide additional healthy gum tissue around affected teeth.

If you have noticed receding gums or increased tooth sensitivity, scheduling a dental exam and cleaning can be an important first step in determining the condition of your teeth and gums.

What Causes Receding Gums?

Gum recession can develop for several reasons. Common causes and contributing factors include:

Gum disease
Aggressive tooth brushing
Improper brushing or flossing techniques
Teeth grinding or clenching
Tobacco use
Naturally thin gum tissue
Genetics
Trauma or irritation around the gums

Gum disease is an important cause of gum recession because infection and inflammation can damage the tissues supporting your teeth.

Maintaining good oral hygiene can help protect your gums and reduce the risk of periodontal problems. Our hygiene care services can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums through professional care and proper home-care guidance.

When Is a Gum Graft Recommended?

Your dentist may recommend gum grafting in Clovis, CA when gum recession has exposed part of a tooth root or when there is not enough healthy gum tissue to protect a tooth adequately.

A gum graft may help:

Cover exposed tooth roots
Reduce tooth sensitivity
Protect vulnerable root surfaces
Improve the appearance of an uneven gum line
Increase the amount of healthy gum tissue
Help protect areas affected by gum recession

Not every patient with receding gums needs a gum graft. Depending on the cause and severity of the recession, treatment may involve improved oral hygiene, periodontal care, monitoring, or a soft tissue graft.

If you are experiencing gum problems, a professional evaluation can help determine the appropriate treatment before the condition becomes more serious.

Types of Soft Tissue Grafts

The type of graft used depends on the location and extent of gum recession and the amount of additional tissue needed.

Free Gingival Graft

A free gingival graft uses a small amount of tissue from the roof of the mouth and places it over an area where additional gum tissue is needed.

This technique can help increase the amount of firm, protective gum tissue around a tooth.

Connective Tissue Graft

A connective tissue graft uses tissue from underneath the surface layer of the palate. The tissue is carefully placed over the affected area and secured to the existing gum tissue.

Your dentist will determine which technique is appropriate based on your gum health, the location of the recession, and your treatment goals.

What Happens During a Gum Graft?

Before treatment, our dentist will examine your teeth and gums and evaluate the extent of gum recession. We may also review your oral health history and discuss factors that could be contributing to the recession.

During the procedure, the treatment area is numbed with local anesthetic to help keep you comfortable. The graft tissue is then positioned around the affected tooth and secured in place.

After treatment, our team will provide instructions for caring for the treated area while it heals. Following these instructions carefully is important for protecting the graft and supporting proper healing.

Caring for Your Gums After a Gum Graft

Good oral hygiene is important both before and after gum graft treatment. Your dentist may recommend temporary changes to your brushing, flossing, diet, and other oral hygiene habits while the treated area heals.

Avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the grafted area and follow all post-treatment instructions provided by our dental team.

Once the area has healed, continuing regular dental visits and maintaining proper home care can help protect your gums and overall oral health.

If you have missing teeth or require other restorative treatment, our dental services page provides information about the comprehensive treatments available at Clovis Country Dental.

Gum Graft vs. Bone Graft

A gum graft and a bone graft are different procedures designed to address different types of tissue loss.

A gum graft adds soft tissue to areas affected by gum recession and exposed tooth roots. A bone graft is used to rebuild or preserve bone in the jaw when there is insufficient bone to support certain dental treatments.

Clovis Country Dental also provides bone grafting as part of our restorative dental services. Your dentist can determine which type of graft, if any, is appropriate for your condition.

Gum Recession Treatment in Clovis, CA

If you have receding gums, exposed tooth roots, bleeding gums, or persistent tooth sensitivity, Clovis Country Dental can evaluate your condition and discuss appropriate treatment options.

Depending on the cause and severity of your gum recession, treatment may include professional hygiene care, improved home care, periodontal treatment, or a soft tissue graft.

Our dental office is conveniently located at:

Clovis Country Dental
2141 Shaw Ave Ste 105
Clovis, CA 93611
Phone: (559) 552-0700