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Comparison of before and after tissue graft surgery on gums of the mouth.

When periodontal disease has progressed to the point where gum recession has exposed tooth roots, it threatens more than just your oral health.

In addition to pain, sensitivity, and tooth loss, periodontitis can increase your risk for further complications and illnesses that affect your entire body. Fortunately, Dr. Salamati performs gum grafting for his Beverly Hills and Los Angeles patients.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Gum Grafting?

Early gum disease (gingivitis) can be treated with a deep cleaning treatment (scaling and planing) and a proper oral hygiene routine, so there is no need for surgical intervention.

However, when gums have receded significantly and gum tissue is being destroyed by an overabundance of bacteria, restoration with soft tissue grafts may be required to save teeth and maintain a healthy jawbone. If resorption has already begun, a bone graft and ridge augmentation may also be needed.

Individuals with receding gums and exposed tooth roots who want to prevent tooth loss are excellent candidates for gum grafting surgery.

If gum recession is left untreated, teeth can become loose and eventually fall out. Then more complex regenerative gum and bone therapies may be necessary to replace the missing teeth with dental implants.

If you think you are a good candidate for gum graft surgery, call Dr. Salamati’s office at (310) 275-1090 to schedule your Beverly Hills periodontal treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Gum Graft Surgery?

Gum grafts can restore healthy gum tissue and, when combined with ideal at-home oral health practices, this treatment offers the following benefits to help you:

  • Regain healthy gum tissue and a more appealing smile
  • Prevent tooth loss and potential jawbone resorption
  • Prevent root sensitivity and root decay

What Surgical Techniques Are Used in Gum Grafting?

A gum graft, also known as a gingival graft, involves removing a thin piece of connective tissue from the roof of your mouth or adjacent areas with healthy soft tissue. This tissue is then used to cover exposed root surfaces and provide a band of protective tissue around the tooth to reduce sensitivity, improve gum health, and help prevent bone loss.

The outcome of a gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable, healthy band of tissue around the tooth.

During your gum grafting or bone grafting procedure, Dr. Salamati may apply Emdogain® to the clean tooth root surface, which is a gel consisting of proteins that help to stimulate the cells that are essential for periodontal regeneration. He may also use Gem-21S® for complex bone regenerative procedures to help stimulate better healing and regeneration.

For gum grafting, Dr. Salamati may use AlloGraft Dermal Matrix for patients with extensive gingival recession or patients who would like an alternative to using their own palatal tissue for grafting.

What Can You Expect During Gum Grafting Surgery Recovery?

Recovery after a gum graft is not terribly uncomfortable or lengthy. You may not even have to take time off work, but Dr. Salamati recommends a day of rest or, at the very least, limited activity.

He will prescribe antibiotics and pain medication to prevent infection and discomfort while helping you heal. If you have any allergies to antibiotics, let us know so Dr. Salamiti can prescribe a different medication.

Follow these tips to improve your recovery experience:

  • Get as much rest as possible for the first couple of days.
  • Use ice to help with swelling and potential bruising.
  • Eat soft, bland, room-temperature foods for the first few days of your recovery.
    • Unrefrigerated pudding, applesauce, mashed potatoes, squash, and cooled-down soups are great choices.

Dr. Salamati will discuss the particulars of your recovery, including postoperative care instructions, during your consultation and after your procedure. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure optimal healing.

What Results Can You Expect After Gum Grafting Surgery?

Gum restoration improves the function of your teeth and gums while reducing pain and sensitivity for easier chewing, eating, drinking, and a better-looking smile.

Check out our patient testimonials.

Gum grafting can also help lower the risk of systemic illness caused by oral bacteria. Some of the conditions that oral bacteria can trigger or complicate are listed below:

  • Diabetes
  • Respiratory disease
  • Cardiac disease
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Premature labor, low birth weight, and miscarriage
  • Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
  • Osteoarthritis
  • And more

Your Beverly Hills Gum Disease Specialist

Dr. Salamati cares about his patients and is dedicated to providing advanced dental care in Beverly Hills, California. Where other dentists have failed at properly diagnosing and treating patients with mild or advanced periodontal disease, Dr. Salamati has succeeded.

You can trust our dentist to create a custom treatment plan that meets your unique needs and restores the health and beauty of your smile. Dr. Salamati provides dental care for individuals and families in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, California.

If you are struggling with progressing gum disease, call our Beverly Hills dental office today at (310) 275-1090.