Listen to Your Dentist When They Recommend Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Gum disease is incredibly common, but if left untreated, it can cause severe damage to your gum, even causing gum loss. If you still struggle with the symptoms of gum disease, you may be wondering what you can do. If you would like to know more, check out these two gum restoration procedures to consider.

1. Gum Flap Surgery

When you have gum disease, the gums pull away from the teeth, creating small pockets or gaps between the gum tissue and the tooth. Unfortunately, these pockets are notorious for harboring bacteria and plaque. As a result, the excess bacteria further irritates the gums and may cause the pockets to grow. At the same time, the tooth root (which is not protected by enamel) is left exposed to bacteria.

Small pockets usually shrink on their own after antibiotics, proper cleaning, and time. However, larger pockets may not be able to fully shrink, making it hard to keep your teeth clean and fight future gum disease infections.

With gum flap surgery, the dentist makes an incision in the gums to create a flap. Pulling back the flap reveals the tooth roots. The dentist cleans the teeth and smooths any rough patches, which serve as anchors for bacteria. Once clean, the gum is repositioned, but the dentist attaches it flush against the teeth, eliminating the pocket.

2. Gum Graft

Gum disease can also cause tissue loss, including gum tissue loss. You may notice your teeth look longer and/or more of your root is exposed. As with pockets, this increases the risk of decay by exposing your tooth roots to bacteria. In addition, your teeth may be more sensitive to heat/cold. Tissue loss may also promote tooth loss as the gums are unable to support the teeth.

With a gum graft, the dentist takes healthy oral tissue from another part of the mouth, such as the roof of the mouth. The graft is applied to the desired location, and it should start to grow new gum tissue to protect the tooth. As with gum flap surgery, you should not consider a gum graft until after you've treated your gum disease and created a healthy oral routine and good habits.

If you're unhappy with your smile, you're not alone. Luckily, you have many options, even those that restore your gums. Even if you've lost gum tissue, a dentist can help. If you would like to know more about gum grafts, contact a dentist in your area today.