Gum Grafting Alternatives
If you have receding gums, you’ve likely been told by your dentist that they need to be treated as soon as possible. This is because receding gums can lead to long term oral health consequences. One of the most common procedures for treating gum recession is gum grafting. This procedure involves removing donor tissue from a donor site and suturing it onto the locations where the gums are receding forming a new gumline. This procedure is effective with a high success rate but is mildly invasive and can cause some discomfort. If you are exploring your options, it is important to know that gum grafting is not the only solution available. There are several alternatives to traditional gum grafting that are worth considering. These alternatives can offer effective results, sometimes with less discomfort or a quicker recovery. Read on to explore some of the most common non-grafting treatments for gum recession.
Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST)
The Pinhole Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive procedure. It is an effective alternative to traditional gum grafting in some cases. Unlike gum grafting which require incisions and sutures, PST involves making a small hole in the gum tissue, through which the gums are gently repositioned to cover the exposed tooth roots. The benefits of this are that it is less invasive with no cuts or stitches, which allows for a quicker recovery. The drawbacks of PST are that it is only usable in certain parts of the mouth and not all dentists are able to perform it. This generally leads to a higher up front cost for the procedure.
Laser Gum Surgery
Laser gum surgery is another alternative that can be used to treat gum recession and reshape the gums. Laser gum surgery is when the dentist removes damaged tissue and encourages the regeneration of healthy gum tissue using a laser. The benefits of this are that the discomfort is minimal and the healing time faster. The precision of the laser also helps to reduce bleeding and discomfort during the procedure. The drawbacks are that it will not work on moderate to severe cases of gum recession and is typically more expensive.
Regenerative Treatments
Regenerative treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy can be used to encourage the body’s natural healing process. PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of your blood, concentrating the platelets, and injecting them into the affected area. This stimulates the regeneration of gum tissue and promotes healing. The benefits of this alternative are that there are no incisions. The drawbacks are that the results are less predictable, and it is not usable in severe cases. It is also more expensive and typically not covered by insurance.
What does this mean for me?
Gum grafting isn’t the only option for treating gum recession, there are alternatives. If you are exploring your options and want to see if an alternative to gum grafting is right for you, speak with your dentist today. They will review your case and explore your options with you.