WEBVTT

00:00:07.833 --> 00:00:12.083
Gum grafting, also called soft tissue
 grafting, is a common periodontal

00:00:12.083 --> 00:00:15.500
procedure used to restore the health
 and appearance of your gums.

00:00:16.041 --> 00:00:18.791
Your dentist or periodontist
 may recommend it.

00:00:18.791 --> 00:00:22.791
If you have suffered substantial gum
 recession due to periodontal disease

00:00:22.791 --> 00:00:28.208
or have an uneven gumline gums
 or gingiva are part of the soft

00:00:28.208 --> 00:00:31.833
tissue lining your entire mouth
 and help form a seal around teeth.

00:00:32.250 --> 00:00:35.166
They are one of your first lines
 of defense against tooth decay

00:00:35.166 --> 00:00:36.541
and oral infection.

00:00:36.541 --> 00:00:39.208
However, gum tissue is highly sensitive

00:00:39.333 --> 00:00:42.500
and can be susceptible
 to the effects of bacterial plaque.

00:00:43.250 --> 00:00:47.500
When plaque is allowed to build up around
 the teeth, gum tissue becomes inflamed.

00:00:47.916 --> 00:00:51.416
This early stage of gum
 disease can be successfully treated

00:00:51.416 --> 00:00:54.708
with improved oral hygiene
 and professional deep cleanings.

00:00:55.083 --> 00:00:58.000
If treatment is not received,
 however, inflammation

00:00:58.000 --> 00:01:01.750
can eventually lead to infection
 and the destruction of gum tissue.

00:01:02.333 --> 00:01:06.666
Unlike early inflammation, gum recession
 is not usually reversible.

00:01:07.083 --> 00:01:09.750
To restore the health
 and appearance of gingival tissue

00:01:09.750 --> 00:01:14.291
affected by recession and disease,
 a gum graft is often necessary.

00:01:15.000 --> 00:01:16.250
The procedure is simple

00:01:16.250 --> 00:01:19.750
and can typically be completed
 in a single comfortable appointment.

00:01:20.500 --> 00:01:22.791
First, the area to receive the graft

00:01:22.791 --> 00:01:25.833
is carefully cleaned
 to prevent the return of infection.

00:01:26.208 --> 00:01:30.208
Then new healthy tissue is gathered
 from another area of your mouth.

00:01:30.416 --> 00:01:35.666
Typically the roof or surrounding gums
 if a suitable sample cannot be found.

00:01:35.833 --> 00:01:38.166
The graft may be obtained
 from a tissue bank.

00:01:38.583 --> 00:01:41.375
The new tissue is
 then gently stitched into place.

00:01:41.708 --> 00:01:45.416
Stimulating proteins
 may also be used to encourage growth

00:01:45.416 --> 00:01:48.500
and quicker healing after your procedure.

00:01:48.625 --> 00:01:51.583
Be sure to follow any guidelines
 provided by your dentist

00:01:51.583 --> 00:01:54.541
or periodontist to ensure timely healing.

00:01:55.041 --> 00:01:58.583
Do not brush or floss
 around the graft area until it is healed.

00:01:59.041 --> 00:02:01.625
Instead, you will be given a special mouth

00:02:01.625 --> 00:02:04.041
rinse to help control plaque and bacteria.

00:02:04.625 --> 00:02:07.625
Mild to moderate
 discomfort is to be expected in the days

00:02:07.625 --> 00:02:09.083
following your procedure,

00:02:09.083 --> 00:02:12.541
particularly if the tissue used
 was removed from your palate.

00:02:13.041 --> 00:02:16.666
You should be able to control any pain
 or soreness with over-the-counter

00:02:16.666 --> 00:02:20.041
medication, such as ibuprofen
 or acetaminophen.

00:02:20.416 --> 00:02:22.875
Do not place aspirin
 on the procedure site.

00:02:23.500 --> 00:02:27.375
Healing typically is complete within
 a week to 10 days of your procedure.

00:02:27.750 --> 00:02:30.041
If discomfort lasts more than a few days.

00:02:30.291 --> 00:02:34.625
Contact your dentist or periodontist
 if you have experienced

00:02:34.666 --> 00:02:39.666
receding gums due to periodontal disease
 or wish to improve an uneven gumline.

00:02:39.875 --> 00:02:42.958
Talk to your dentist
 or periodontist about a gum graft.