Your gingival tissue, or gums, surround and protect your tooth roots and help support them as they erupt from your jawbone. Like a gasket in a motor, this seal is subject to wear and can begin to separate from your teeth for a number of reasons. When your gums recede, the vulnerable roots underneath become exposed to bacteria and your gums can become susceptible to disease. In many instances of gum recession, a gum graft may be necessary to protect your teeth and gums from danger. Your San Diego periodontist, Dr. Ann Kania, explains the problem of receding gums, and how a gum graft can preserve your smile’s integrity in the face of gum recession.

Understanding Gum Recession

Your gums can recede after a lifetime of use from foreign material (dental restorations), or from trauma. One common reasons behind gum recession is the onset of gingivitis—the first stage of gum disease. When oral bacteria form plaque to stick to your teeth and along your gum line, the microbes release toxins that irritate your gums and damage the connective tissue that holds them to your teeth. As your gums recede, small spaces called periodontal pockets form that allow more bacteria to gather, exacerbating the destruction of your gingival tissue.  Aggressive toothbrushing and abrasive toothpastes increase recession.

Reinforcing Your Smile’s Foundation

If gum recession threatens the health of your smile, Dr. Kania may recommend a gum graft procedure to reinforce your smile’s foundation, reduce further recession, and prevent bone loss that can occur from advanced gum recession and gum disease. A gum graft can also cover your exposed tooth roots and protect them from decay-causing bacteria. Using similar tissue from your mouth’s palate or from another donor source, Dr. Kania can graft the new tissue to your gums, restoring the seal around your teeth and preserving your oral health.

Gum Grafts & Improved Periodontal Health in San Diego

To learn more about gum grafts or any of our other advanced periodontal treatments, contact Dr. Kania at our San Diego periodontist’s office by calling (706) 642-0711. We serve patients from Encinitas, San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, La Costa, and the neighboring communities.