Gum Graft
Gum recession is a progressive periodontal condition that can lead to pain, sensitivity, or tooth loss if not treated by a periodontist.
At Justin M. Schlaikjer, DDS, MS Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we can perform a gum graft to restore damaged tissue.
How can our St. Louis, MO, office treat your receding gums?
The Three Types of Gum Grafting
The type of gum graft used during your procedure will vary depending on your needs. Dr. Schlaikjer will recommend which type of gum graft is right for you.
Connective Tissue Graft
During this type of soft tissue graft, your periodontist will create a flap on the roof of the mouth, then transfer the layer of connective tissue beneath the flap to the treatment area. This is the most common grafting method to treat cosmetic problems.
Free Gingival Graft
During this graft procedure, a periodontist transfers tissue from the roof of the mouth to build up and strengthen the areas where gum recession has occurred. This kind of graft is typically used for people who want to thicken their gums.
Lateral Pedicle Graft
If you have enough healthy gum tissue near the treatment site, your periodontist will partially cut away some tissue so one edge remains attached. The healthy gum tissue is then stretched and folded over the treatment site to restore the gumline.
88% of People Over the Age of 65 Have Some Effects of Gum Recession
*According to research published in The Journal of the American Dental Association.
Why Choose Us?
By choosing a periodontist rather than a general dentist, you will receive specialized dental care from a doctor who focuses on periodontal health. Unlike dentists, periodontists focus on the treatment of the gums, which allows them to provide more personalized treatment and deliver outstanding results.
Our office in St. Louis, MO, is also equipped with the latest tools, including dental lasers, which are designed to make procedures like soft tissue grafts safe, efficient, and comfortable.
Whether you need a gingivectomy or need to resolve other periodontal issues prior to dental implant placement, our office can meet your needs.
See how we perform gum grafting at our St. Louis office...
The Top Benefits of Gum Grafting
Protect Your Smile
Gum recession is a consequence of untreated periodontal disease. Because both gum recession and advanced periodontal disease are considered chronic issues, they will cause more widespread dental problems if left untreated. With periodontal treatments such as a soft tissue graft, Dr. Schlaikjer can control gum disease, stop gum recession, and prevent the loss of a tooth.
Smile with Confidence
Uneven or damaged gum tissue can affect the balance and symmetry of your smile, making each affected tooth appear longer than it actually is. When performing a gum graft, our periodontist will create a healthier, more even gumline that helps your smile look more balanced and more beautiful, boosting your confidence.
Save Money in the Long Run
Many patients put off soft tissue grafting because they think they don't need the procedure. But leaving gum recession or gum disease untreated can lead to more extensive issues, including tooth loss and bone loss. These problems may require expensive restorative dentistry work, such as traditional dental implants or All-on-4® dental implants.
Restore Your Comfort
Gum recession can leave the roots of a tooth exposed and prone to sensitivity, which can make eating and drinking painful. A gum graft addresses root exposure, reducing sensitivity and relieving discomfort. Grafts allow you to comfortably enjoy all your favorite hot and cold drinks and foods again.
Results To Make You Smile
Courtney EurekaSmile
2020
My son was involved in a car accident and had to have gum grafting. Dr Schlaikjer and his team were very informative, professional and went out of their way to make my son and I feel comfortable and important. They are very personable and easy to talk to. My son has had great results with his procedure and we are so thankful to have found Dr. Schlaikjer!
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Chris Elbring
2020
Dr Schlaikjer is very skilled and it is apparent when you are in his care. Always felt comfortable. Gum graft went super well and exceeded expectations. This sort of stuff is never fun, but if I had to get periodontal work again, I know where I would go.
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