Gum Grafting Repairs the Damage of Gum Disease

The American Dental Association (ADA) says that advanced gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in the United States. However, you can avoid damage to both your oral and systemic health. At West Lake Periodontics in West Lake, OH, Dr. Scott Sazima offers state of the art gum disease treatments, including comfortable gum grafting. Here are the details.

How does gum disease happen?

Gum disease--from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis--involves bacterial infection of the soft tissue which supports and anchors your teeth. Poor oral hygiene causes much of this oral health problem although heredity, alcohol consumption, smoking, and a low fiber diet can contribute to it. Poorly fitting dentures, tongue bolts, or orthodontic braces may lead to recession, too.

At first, people may not realize they have gum disease. So, Dr. Sazima encourages semi-annual cleanings and check-ups with your dentist. Combined with your faithful and thorough brushing and flossing at home, professional cleaning removes toxic plaque and tartar which forms from the foods we eat. Your dentist's eyes-on exam and measurement of the pockets, or spaces, between your teeth and gums, determine if your gums are truly healthy.

Symptoms of gum disease

Despite the stealthiness of gum disease, symptoms become obvious at some point. They may include:

• Bad breath which is exceptionally stubborn
• Loose, gapped teeth
• Changes in how your teeth come together or in how a denture fits
• Pus in interdental spaces
• Gum tenderness, bleeding, and swelling
• Dental pain
• Recessed soft tissue and a long-tooth appearance as roots are exposed

How Dr. Sazima can help

Dr. Sazima diagnoses and treats gum disease in its various stages. As a periodontist, he offers the latest and best in surgical procedures, including gum grafting. Your treatment depends on his exam findings.

Typically, gum grafting takes a small section of the patient's palate, or roof of the mouth, and sutures it over the exposed roots and bone. These grafts are known as autografts, reports Dear Doctor. Local anesthesia ensures a comfortable surgery, and ultra-thin sutures, and a liquid band-aid speed recovery.

There is hope

At West Lake Periodontics, our compassionate and expert team helps people overcome the adverse effects of gum disease. Gum grafting restores smile appearance, limits recession of both hard and soft tissues and helps your mouth feel less sensitive.

For a consultation with Dr. Scott Sazima in our West Lake, OH, office, phone us at (440) 835-4600.