Gum Graft Surgery in Dental Hygiene

Introduction

Gum grafting is a method of dental operation to remedy gum decay impact. This is a fast and relatively straightforward procedure. A periodontist extracts a healthy periodontal ligament from the mouth roof and then rebuild the gum back to the roof where it was receded. Once the gum tissue wears away, gum recession develops, exposing the tooth root. This can increase sensitivity, particularly in foods that are hot or cold (Cairo, 2017). Because the recession of gum typically takes place slowly, most people fail to realize. Once the gum recession is not addressed, the periodontal disease will eventually occur. For aesthetic reasons, certain people prefer to get a gum graft, such as an improved smile, but others need a gum graft to safeguard the exposed dental from infection and restore any damage that has already been caused (Jati, Furquim & Consolaro, 2016). There are three common types of gum grafting: free gingival graft, cellular dermal matrix allograft, and sub-epithelial connective tissue graft. A free gingival graft is mostly used to lighten gum tissue. A portion of the tissue which is experiencing the gum recession is separated from the palate. Without lasting damage, both sites can quickly recover. Sub-epithelial grafting is typically used to protect exposed roots (Cairo, 2017). The tissue is separated from the exterior palate and transferred to the gum recession’s location quite easily and quickly. The cellular dermal matrix allograft technique uses human-provided tissues as an origin of the graft tissue, which has been scientifically treated. This process’s advantage is that there is no need for surgical repair from the patient’s palate, making it less painful (Shkreta et al., 2018).

Causes of Receding Gums

The two distinct types of gum tissue are bound gingiva and alveolar mucosa. The gingiva is linked to the tooth and bone. Everyday trauma induced through eating and tooth brushing is motionless and reasonably resistant (Jati, Furquim & Consolaro, 2016). Alveolar mucosa is by far the more receptive of both tissues below the gingiva; the alveolar mucosa is flexible and permits lips and cheeks to pass. Unlike gingiva, alveolar mucosa membranes are unable to resist “natural” food and brushing trauma (Shkreta et al., 2018). Gum receding can be attributed to gum disease, but it is only one factor. Brushing could wear the gums too vigorously and trigger them to shrink over time (Cairo, 2017).  People with naturally thin gingiva are more prone to this condition. Therapeutic approaches may also expand the line of the gum.  The recession of gum may also result from high frenum attachments. The frenum is the muscle between the top or bottom front teeth and can lead to a recession if it stretches along the gum line.

Importance of Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is a standard treatment for periodontal use. Although the name can sound terrifying, the process usually has outstanding results. Once the tooth root is exposed, it may be highly sensitive for the teeth to chew or drink hot or cold items. The gum grafting procedure covers the infected root completely, minimizes inflammation, and maintains healthy teeth and gums (Shkreta et al., 2018).  The gum recession and infection are the characteristics of periodontal diseases. Gum decay and root damage can render the teeth look quite broad, and the smile looks “toothy.” Gum grafting can shorten, symmetrical the teeth, and make them look more pleasant in general. Adjacent tissue may also be strengthened and increased for aesthetic reasons during the operation (Cairo, 2017). The periodontal disorder can advance and very quickly affect gum tissue. If it remains unaddressed, in a limited time a substantial amount of gum tissue could be damaged. Gum grafting can help avoid loss of tissue and bone; prevent additional complications, and prevent further decline of exposed roots (Jati, Furquim & Consolaro, 2016).

Treatment

After assessing the need for gum grafting, multiple procedures can be conducted by the dentist preceding gum grafting. To get rid of calculus (tartar) and pathogens, the teeth should first be washed carefully and sub-gingival (Jati, Furquim & Consolaro, 2016). The dentist may also provide information, guidance, and informative instruments to boost treatment efficiency and help lessen the likelihood of periodontal disorder. Gum grafting is typically undertaken under local anesthetic. The exact treatment depends significantly on whether tissue comes from the palate or tissue reserve of the patient. At the recipient site, incisions are initially modified to produce a pocket to blend the graft (Cairo, 2017). A split surface incision is then created, and the muscle tissue graft is placed between the two parts of the tissue. In general, the graft is substantially more significant than the recession region, so there is a considerable excess.  Sutures are also mounted to regulate the graft further and avoid changes from the site. Surgical fabric is used in the first week of treatment to secure the surgical region. In about six weeks, cohesiveness and gum cure will be attained (Shkreta et al., 2018).

Conclusion

Gum graft treatment is a process that can help repair the wear and tear of gums, enhance the look of a person’s smile, and safeguard teeth. Gum graft procedure is available in various forms. All procedures with a tiny likelihood of side effects are comparatively easy. Patients may experience pain after the operation but will recover completely within two weeks.
References

Cairo, F. (2017). Periodontal plastic surgery of gingival recessions at single and multiple teeth. Periodontology 2000, 75(1), 296-316.

Jati, A. S., Furquim, L. Z., & Consolaro, A. (2016). Gingival recession: its causes and types, and the importance of orthodontic treatment. Dental press journal of orthodontics, 21(3), 18-29.

Shkreta, M., Atanasovska-Stojanovska, A., Dollaku, B., & Belazelkoska, Z. (2018). Exploring the gingival recession surgical treatment modalities: A literature review. Open access Macedonian journal of medical sciences, 6(4), 698.