Gum Grafting Alternatives

Gum recession is the exposure of the tooth root that appears after the gums have receded from their natural position. It has many causes. The most common cause of this recession is periodontitis, an inflammation caused by poor hygiene, and excessive pressure from toothbrush bristles against the gums. While gum grafts are the most effective and common way to treat gum recession, this condition can also be repaired without gum grafting.

Gum graft: when and why it is necessary

Gum grafting is used to treat various types of defects in the structure of the gums. Its main purposes are to increase the volume of the gums and ensure gums are healthy and stable. The conditions that usually require gum grafting are thin and delicate gums, extensive gum recession, and poorly positioned teeth. The most common indications for gum grafting are tissue reconstruction after dental implants and the recovery of retracted gums due to periodontitis. If your recession is less severe, we might recommend fixing the exposed tooth roots without a graft.

Surgery for gum retraction without gum grafting: an alternative approach

Surgery without a gum graft to cover an exposed tooth root is performed by simply trimming and repositioning the edges of the gums. It can be performed on one or more teeth and is a quick procedure with effective results when performed using the correct technique and indications.

The advantages of surgery without gum grafting include:

  • simpler post-operative care;
  • faster recovery;
  • less painful discomfort;
  • lower risk of postoperative complications;
  • high effectiveness and durability of results.

Other alternatives in the treatment of gingival recession

There are several reasons why gum surgery is not recommended for the treatment of receding gums. There are alternatives for treating painful sensitivity, protecting exposed tooth roots, and restoring the aesthetics of your smile without a gum graft. Among them are:

  • Do nothing

Gum recession does not necessarily require gum surgery. On the contrary, in the vast majority of cases it can be controlled without any risk of progression. Currently, aesthetic damage to the smile continues to be the main reason for this delicate surgical procedure.

  • Desensitization

Pain and increased sensitivity when eating cold and acidic foods often accompany gum recession. To eliminate this, the application of desensitizing agents, performed at the dentist's office, may be the only treatment necessary – in addition to adopting appropriate hygiene techniques and instruments.

  • Resin restoration

Covering exposed tooth roots with resin dental restorations can be used for several reasons. In addition to protecting tooth roots from wear caused by toothbrushes, it is also recommended to alleviate aesthetic damage to the smile, eliminate increased sensitivity or even reduce the retention of food debris and bacterial plaque.

  • Porcelain or resin veneer

Used to make smile changes, porcelain and resin veneers are alternatives for covering exposed tooth roots. They are mainly indicated when the laminated dental veneer treatment is already part of a larger aesthetic treatment.

In Conclusion

If you have receding gums, there is a possibility that you will not have to undergo a full gum graft, as there are alternatives to this procedure. This will depend on the amount of recession you have, so please reach out to us today and schedule an appointment for us to review your particular situation.

Gum Grafting Costs