Our Vancouver dentists perform gum therapy, including gum grafts, to help reduce the effects of periodontal (gum) disease.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection of the supporting tissues of the teeth. Gum disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene habits that allow plaque to build up on the teeth and harden, eventually affecting the gums.
Gum Therapy
Treatment of gum disease depends on the type and severity of the case. If gum disease is caught early, preventive therapy will often be recommended. Otherwise, treatment can fall into one of the following categories:
Non-Surgical Gum Therapy
For patients with mild gum disease, non-surgical gum therapy may be enough to help reverse it. This therapy is a deep cleaning performed by a dental hygienist where they will scrape away the plaque and tartar around and below the gum line.
Surgical Gum Therapy
For patients with more advanced forms of gum disease, more invasive surgical treatments may be required to help reverse it. There are a few different types of surgical gum therapy, including flap surgery, guided tissue regeneration and gum grafting.
Gum Grafting
A gum graft is a surgical gum therapy where gum tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and transplanted onto another area of the gums to help cover exposed tooth roots.
The gum grafting procedure may be used to repair a receding gum line which exposes the tooth root and makes it susceptible to decay and sensitivity.
A gum graft may also be used for cosmetic reasons, to remove gum tissue, reshape gums, and help alter the perceived size of the teeth and gums.
Learn More About Our Oral Surgery Services
Dental Implants · Extractions & Wisdom Teeth · Bone Grafting & Sinus Lifts · Gum Therapy & Grafting