Restoring support around teeth and implants
Gums and bone form the supporting foundation around natural teeth and dental implants. Periodontal disease, gum recession, tooth loss, trauma, anatomy, and previous treatment can leave an area with less tissue than needed for protection, stability, or a planned restoration.
Gum and bone grafting are different procedures. A gum graft adds or repositions soft tissue, while a bone graft places material in an area with deficient bone. An examination is needed to identify the tissue involved, understand why it was lost, and determine whether grafting is a suitable option.
Evaluation and planning
Planning begins with a review of your concerns, dental and medical history, medications, and previous treatment. We examine the gums, teeth, bite, tissue thickness, recession, and the condition of the surrounding area. Diagnostic imaging may be recommended to evaluate bone dimensions or support when clinically appropriate.
The plan also considers oral hygiene, active periodontal disease, tobacco use, health conditions that may affect healing, and the intended result. Any active infection or inflammation may need to be managed before a grafting procedure is considered.
Gum grafting for recession or thin tissue
When gums recede, part of a tooth root may become exposed. This can contribute to sensitivity, make the area harder to maintain, or change the appearance of the gumline. Gum grafting may be considered to cover part of an exposed root, increase tissue thickness, or protect a vulnerable area.
The technique depends on the location, available tissue, amount of recession, and treatment goal. Tissue may come from another area of the mouth or from another carefully selected grafting source. Complete root coverage is not possible in every case, so expected benefits and limitations should be discussed before treatment.
Bone grafting for lost or insufficient bone
Bone grafting may be considered where bone has been lost because of periodontal disease, tooth loss, infection, trauma, or anatomy. Depending on the situation, the goal may be to encourage regeneration around a tooth, preserve or rebuild an extraction site, or develop adequate support for a future restoration.
For patients considering dental implants, imaging helps determine whether the site has appropriate bone height, width, and shape. Not every implant site needs grafting. When it is required, the graft may be completed before implant placement or coordinated with another stage of care, depending on the individual plan.
Extraction-site preservation is a related procedure performed when a tooth is removed. It may help manage changes at the site, but it does not guarantee that no additional grafting will be needed later.
Grafting materials and techniques
Grafting materials vary according to the tissue being treated and the clinical goal. Options may include the patient’s own tissue, carefully processed human donor material, animal-derived material, synthetic material, or a combination. Membranes or other biologic materials may also be used in selected bone-regeneration procedures.
The clinician should explain the recommended material and technique, where it comes from, alternatives, expected benefits, limitations, and relevant risks. If a case requires a procedure or level of surgical care not provided in the practice, referral to a periodontist or another appropriate specialist may be recommended.
Healing and aftercare
Discomfort, swelling, bruising, minor bleeding, or temporary sensitivity can occur after grafting. The experience and healing timeline vary with the procedure, site, material, and individual health factors. Follow the specific instructions provided for cleaning, eating, medication use, and activity while the area heals.
Avoid disturbing the grafted site and do not use tobacco, which can interfere with healing. Attend all scheduled follow-up visits so the clinician can monitor the tissue and advise when normal cleaning or the next stage of treatment can resume. Contact the treating office promptly if bleeding does not slow, swelling or pain is increasing, or you develop fever, drainage, or another unexpected change.
Results and long-term care
Grafting is intended to improve tissue support in a selected area, but results vary. The amount of coverage or bone development possible depends on the original defect, anatomy, healing response, home care, and other risk factors. A graft cannot eliminate the underlying cause of recession or bone loss by itself.
Long-term care may include daily plaque control, periodontal maintenance, protection from harmful brushing or bite forces, and monitoring of teeth, implants, and restorations. These steps help protect the treated area and identify changes early.
Schedule a grafting evaluation
If you are concerned about gum recession or bone loss, or you are planning an extraction or dental implant, an evaluation can clarify your options. Contact Excellence Dental Care to arrange a visit and learn whether grafting, monitoring, or coordinated specialist care may be appropriate.