Gum recession is one of the most frequent oral disorders people experience as they age, but it can occur for various causes and at any age. Regardless, you should address the issue immediately if you are experiencing a gum recession. It will improve not just your smile but also your oral health. Fortunately, there are numerous solutions accessible to people with gum recession.

This article will answer one of the most commonly asked questions: Is there any alternative to Gum Grafting? So, read on to learn more about this.

What Is Gum Grafting?

Gum Grafting also known as Gingival Graft or Periodontal Plastic Surgery, is a dental procedure to repair thinned or receding gums. Gum Grafting covers exposed tooth roots and increases gum line volume, enhancing overall dental health. Recovery lasts typically one to two weeks, although it might take longer.

Gum Grafting is carefully inserting a tiny quantity of new tissue in an area with little or no gum tissue. It is often indicated to prevent further gum recession or to cover exposed root surfaces of your teeth. The tissue utilized in this treatment can come from various sites, but it is often obtained from the palate (roof of the mouth) after the area has been numbed for your comfort. Then, it is delicately sutured (stitched) into place where required, using suturing material that may be finer than human hair.

Why are Gum Grafts Recommended?

A gum graft, also called Gingival Grafting, is recommended for a natural appearance. However, it’s a somewhat invasive process where the gum is cut with a knife, and the tissue is peeled back to make flaps. It can cause post-operative bleeding, discomfort, and complications. There are also restrictions on what you can eat and drink during recovery to avoid harming the grafted tissue.

Not all patients are good candidates for therapy, and the grafted tissue may fail and fall off. The transplanted tissue may shrink if the underlying reason for receding gums is not discovered.

Why Does Gum Recession Need Treating?

Gum recession happens when gums move away, showing the tooth roots. Common causes include gum disease and brushing too hard. People with gum recession often feel tooth sensitivity and pain and worry about their teeth’ appearance. If not treated, it can lead to cavities on the roots. Cleaning the sensitive area might be challenging, leading to plaque buildup, gum disease, and recession.

Covering the tooth roots with treatment can:

• Make teeth look better
• Reduce sensitivity and pain
• Lower the risk of gum disease and more recession
• Decrease the chance of cavities and losing teeth

Taking care of gum recession is essential for oral health, preventing issues, and improving overall well-being. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are crucial to managing and preventing gum recession.

What Kinds of Gum Grafts Are There?

The type of gum graft is determined by the graft material utilized and the region in the mouth from which it was extracted.

Connective Tissue Graft

It is the most common approach for gum grafts that treat exposed tooth roots. Connective gum tissue is used for transplants. It is extracted from the palate (the roof of the mouth).

Free Gingival Graft

This approach is comparable to the connective-tissue graft, in which the graft is taken from the roof of the mouth. The transplant is extracted from the palate’s surface rather than tissue from inside it. This procedure is designated for those with thin gums requiring additional expansion.

Pedicle Graft

This procedure may be chosen if a patient has a large amount of gum tissue. The graft is made from gum tissue that is close to the location to be grafted. Three incisions are made, and the ‘flap’ of gum tissue is draped over the grafting site like a blanket.

Allograft

Allograft is a minimally invasive surgery that employs donor tissue that has been medically processed. An allograft treatment is recommended for patients who do not have adequate gum tissue near the affected tooth to undertake a pedicle transplant.

Is There Any Alternative to Gum Grafting?

Each of these gum grafts is an effective technique to address gum recession. Several additional treatment choices are similarly effective and may better fit your needs.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is an alternate treatment for gum recession. This non-invasive treatment may be viable for mild to moderate gum recession patients. It is because it uses low-level lasers to encourage gum tissue regeneration. Laser therapy is less invasive than conventional Gum Grafting. It is frequently less expensive while remaining a viable therapy option.

Laser therapy has recently gained favor as a relatively new treatment option for gum recession. It has been shown to reduce the severity of gum recession effectively. It may even help rebuild missing gum tissue.

Monitoring & Prevention

You can wait if your gums are slightly receding, and it doesn’t bother you. But make sure to find out and fix what’s causing it. The dentist might suggest cleaning below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar, preventing more recession. Keep your oral hygiene top-notch by brushing twice daily and cleaning between your teeth daily, using the proper technique to keep bacteria away without worsening the gum recession.

Topical Medications

Topical medications are an alternative to Gum Grafting, allowing for direct application to the gums. It includes topical medicines or proteins that promote the formation of new, healthy tissue. However, it is often recommended for patients with a gum transplant. People with mild incidences of gum recession may also be eligible for this treatment.

LANAP Procedure

The Laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) provides a less invasive procedure with a greater success rate than standard surgery. It is the only treatment that has been scientifically proven to promote bone and periodontal regeneration.

Pinhole Surgical Technique

The pinhole surgical technique involves making small incisions along your gum line using a tiny camera. This gentle treatment helps the tissue return to its proper place if it becomes loose. People often use this method to reshape and beautify gums, giving them an excellent appearance.

Desensitizing Agents

If your receding gums are making your teeth sensitive, and that’s the main issue, you can use desensitizing agents. These agents are applied to the exposed root surface to lessen or stop the pain, offering an alternative to Gum Grafting. They work by blocking tiny tubes from the root surface to the nerve, preventing nerve stimulation and reducing pain.

Substances that can block these tubes include:

• Varnishes
• Dentine bonding agents
• Glass ionomer cement
• Composite resins
• Special toothpaste formulations with silica and oxalates

Using these agents helps reduce sensitivity. You can return to eating and drinking as you like and, importantly, brush the area without discomfort.

Composite Fillings

Composite resins are another option instead of Gum Grafting. They are commonly used to fill cavities in the back teeth and can be stuck onto the root and tooth surfaces. It will lower sensitivity and prevent degradation. Minor gum recessions can be fixed with tooth-colored resin. If you’re unhappy with how your gums look when you smile, gum-colored resins can be used to improve their appearance.

Pink Porcelain

Dental porcelain or ceramic can be applied to the exposed root. This technique may present complications. The color does not always match the gum tissue, and if not used correctly by a trained dentist, the porcelain might form microscopic ledges that are difficult to clean.

Removable Gingival Veneers

For significant gum recession due to gum disease, an option is removable gingival veneers that cover all front teeth, concealing gaps and black triangles. Made from materials like silicone, these veneers are flexible, comfortable, and breaking-resistant.

Orthotics

Orthodontic treatment can help if misaligned teeth cause gum recession in the lower jaw. It realigns teeth, hiding recession. In some cases, tooth movement can stimulate bone growth and thickening of the gums, potentially correcting gum recession.

Which Option is Right For You?

Deciding on the best treatment for your gum recession is a choice you and your periodontist will make together. They’ll consider your situation, oral health, and lifestyle to suggest the most suitable options. While many see a gum graft as the top choice, there are several alternatives, and the cost can play a crucial role in your decision. No matter your budget, there’s a practical way to address your gum recession.

Conclusion

If you seek alternatives to Gum Grafting, you should visit your dentist to discuss choices appropriate for your condition. While Gum Grafting is a joint and effective surgery, non-surgical or alternative therapies may be considered depending on the severity of your gum recession and general oral health. Regular dental check-ups and open discussions with your dentist can allow you to make more educated decisions about maintaining healthy gums and a confident smile.