Are you smiling more like a grimace than a grin because of receding gums? Receding gums is a common dental problem that occurs when the gum tissue separates from the tooth and exposes the root. You can treat gum recession with gum grafting, but what if you hold off for a while? When is it too late for gum grafting? Don’t worry; we’ll disclose the truth behind your concern in this blog to help you make an informed choice.
What Causes Gum Recession?
There are several reasons why gums recede, such as growing age, vigorous brushing, or even poor dental hygiene. When plaque bacteria cause inflammation in the gums, it can result in gingivitis, which eventually causes the gums to recede if left untreated. If you do not identify the cause of receding gums and it is allowed to grow, it can cause more serious oral health issues.
Understanding Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is a surgical technique that entails transferring tissue from one region of the mouth to another where the gums have retreated. Usually, the roof of the mouth or a donor source is used to get this tissue. Gum grafting surgeries may be classified into three types: pedicle grafts, free gingival grafts, and connective-tissue grafts.
Gum grafting is necessary when the gum tissue recedes to the extent that the tooth’s root is visible.
When is it Too Late for Gum Grafting?
Although gum grafting is advised as soon as possible after the diagnosis of receding gums, gum grafting has no set end point at which it becomes unviable. On the other hand, if too much of the root is exposed or if there has been extensive gum and bone loss, a gum transplant may not be successful in advanced cases.
As an alternative, your dentist might advise getting dental implants in place of the extracted teeth. For a dental implant to be effective, sufficient tissue may still need to be provided via a gum transplant.
Other Treatment Options for Severe Gum Recession
There are a number of alternatives for treating severe gum recession if it’s too late for gum grafting. These alternatives include:
- Scaling and root planning to improve the gum’s natural health.
- If grafting is not an option due to bone, you can get dental bonding with a tooth-colored resin material to preserve exposed and discolored root surfaces.
- In case of extreme gum recession, you can get dental implants to replace lost teeth.
Final Word!
When is it too late for gum grafting? There is no hard and fast rule for when gum grafting will no longer be viable, but depending on your condition, the failure of the surgery might be possible. For instance, advanced gum recession can result in failed gum grafting surgery.
However, it’s important to talk to your dentist about your condition. Visit us at Aava Dental and consult our skilled dentist about your condition. Call (818) 792-4500 to book your appointment.