Gum recession is a common but often overlooked dental condition that can affect both your oral health and your confidence. When the gum tissue that surrounds and protects your teeth begins to wear away or pull back, more of the tooth or its root becomes exposed. This can cause sensitivity, make your teeth appear longer, and increase the risk of decay and even tooth loss.
Fortunately, gum grafting is a highly effective treatment that can restore receded gums and protect your smile. At Implant & Perio Center of Kansas, Dr. Marq J. Sams and his experienced team provide advanced periodontal care to help patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles that last.
What Is Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting is a periodontal surgical procedure that involves taking healthy tissue from one area of your mouth or using donor tissue to cover exposed tooth roots. This treatment helps rebuild your gumline, protect the tooth surface, and improve overall oral health.
Dr. Sams performs gum grafting using precise, minimally invasive techniques designed to ensure comfort, promote quick healing, and deliver lasting results. The procedure not only corrects gum recession but also prevents further damage and enhances the appearance of your smile.
Why Gum Grafting Is Important
Receding gums can be caused by a variety of factors, including aggressive brushing, periodontal disease, genetics, teeth grinding, or the natural aging process. Once gum tissue recedes, it cannot grow back on its own. Gum grafting is the only predictable way to restore lost gum tissue and protect exposed roots.
If gum recession is left untreated, several problems can develop:
- Tooth sensitivity when eating or brushing
- Increased risk of cavities along the roots
- Uneven or elongated appearance of teeth
- Damage to the supporting bone structure
- Higher risk of tooth loss over time
By restoring the gumline, gum grafting not only protects your oral health but also provides a more balanced and natural-looking smile.
Types of Gum Grafting Procedures
At Implant & Perio Center of Kansas, Dr. Sams carefully evaluates each patient to determine which type of graft is most appropriate for their needs. The main types of gum grafts include:
- Connective Tissue GraftThis is the most common type of gum graft. Tissue is taken from beneath the surface layer of the roof of your mouth and placed over the areas of recession. It provides strong, natural coverage and blends well with existing tissue.
- Free Gingival GraftThis method involves taking a thin layer of tissue directly from the roof of the mouth and attaching it to the gumline. It is typically recommended for patients who need to increase the thickness of their gums rather than cover exposed roots.
- Donor Tissue GraftIn some cases, processed donor tissue is used instead of taking tissue from the patient’s mouth. This option reduces discomfort and shortens recovery time since only one surgical site is required.
Dr. Sams will discuss the benefits of each type and create a personalized treatment plan designed for your comfort and long-term results.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
Gum grafting is performed under local anesthesia to ensure a comfortable experience. Most procedures take between one to two hours, depending on the number of teeth being treated. After the graft is placed, it is secured with sutures that help the tissue integrate with the existing gums.
Following the procedure, patients can expect mild soreness, swelling, or tenderness in the treated area for a few days. Dr. Sams provides detailed aftercare instructions, which may include:
- Eating soft foods while the area heals
- Avoiding brushing or flossing near the graft site until advised
- Using a prescribed mouth rinse to prevent infection
- Taking any recommended medication to manage discomfort
Within a few weeks, the grafted tissue begins to heal and strengthen. Most patients return to normal activities the following day and resume regular brushing and flossing habits once the gums have fully healed.
The Benefits of Gum Grafting
The benefits of gum grafting go beyond cosmetic improvement. Patients experience:
- Reduced tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Stronger gumline that resists future recession
- Protection against root decay and bone loss
- Healthier, more even appearance of the gums and teeth
- Greater overall confidence in your smile
By addressing gum recession early, you can preserve your natural teeth and avoid more complex dental procedures in the future.
Why Choose Implant & Perio Center of Kansas
At Implant & Perio Center of Kansas, patients receive specialized periodontal care from a trusted and experienced team. Dr. Sams is a board-certified periodontist who is highly skilled in advanced soft tissue procedures, including gum grafting, dental implants, and periodontal therapy. His approach focuses on patient comfort, precision, and long-term oral health.
With two convenient locations in Wichita, KS, the practice offers modern facilities equipped with advanced dental technology for diagnosis and treatment. Whether you need a single graft or a more extensive restoration, you can count on compassionate care and expert results.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have noticed your gums pulling away from your teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, or changes in your smile, it may be time to consider gum grafting. Early treatment can prevent further gum and bone loss and help restore the health and beauty of your smile.
The caring team at Implant & Perio Center of Kansas is dedicated to helping every patient feel comfortable, informed, and confident about their periodontal care. From the first consultation to the final results, their focus is always on restoring health, function, and balance to your smile.