Gum Grafting in Madison

Gum grafting is a procedure that increases the amount of gum tissue on your tooth root surfaces. Gums help protect your tooth roots from decay and damage. Without this protection, your teeth are vulnerable to cavities, sensitivity, and discomfort. Dr. Jang may recommend a gum graft if your gums recede and expose your tooth roots.

Dr. Jang may recommend gum grafting to treat gum disease. Also called periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection that causes the gums to separate from the teeth. It occurs when a sticky type of bacteria, called plaque, accumulates beneath your gum line. The plaque forms small pockets that release toxins, which can eat away at your tooth-supporting structures.

When you don’t have healthy gum tissue covering your teeth, your roots can become exposed. Along with increasing your tooth sensitivity, poor gum health can accelerate tooth decay and gum disease.

Dr. Jang may recommend a gum graft to treat the symptoms of gum disease, such as:

• Bleeding gums
• Toooth sensitivity
• Loose teeth
• Shifting teeth
• Visible pockets of pus between the gums and teeth
• Gum recession
• Halitosis (bad breath)

Without treatment, your gums eventually lose their grip on your teeth, making you vulnerable to permanent tooth loss.

There are three types of gum grafts that Dr. Jang may recommend:

Free gingival graft

During a free gingival graft, Dr. Jang takes tissue from the roof of your mouth and places it over your gums.

Connective tissue graft

A connective tissue graft involves taking tissue from the surface of the roof of your mouth and placing it over your vulnerable tooth roots.

Pedicle graft

If you still have healthy gum tissue, Dr. Jang can take a sample of tissue from one area of your gums and place it into the area without enough tissue.

After your procedure, Dr. Jang sends you home with antibiotics and an antiseptic rinse to control plaque buildup and reduce your risk of infection.