Achieve Better Implant Success with a Healthier Smile
If you’ve been considering dental implants but were told you lack the necessary gum tissue for qualification, there’s still hope. At Eastside Dental Implant Center, Dr. Sidhu offers soft tissue augmentation — a supplemental procedure that can help regenerate lost gum tissue and improve your chances of qualifying for implants.
Contact our office in Issaquah, WA, at (425) 526-5424 to learn how this treatment can rebuild your gums, enhance your oral health, and potentially increase your candidacy for dental implants.
What Is Soft Tissue Augmentation?
Soft tissue augmentation, also known as gum grafting, is a surgical procedure where a piece of healthy gum tissue is taken and surgically placed where gum tissue is missing. This procedure helps regenerate gum tissue, improve oral health, and create a sturdy foundation for dental implants. Without enough gum tissue, your implants won’t be secure and will likely fail.
The Benefits of Soft Tissue Augmentation
Undergoing a gum graft procedure doesn’t just help with implant candidacy. It can also be beneficial for your smile’s aesthetics and oral health by:
- Treating gum disease
- Improving the appearance of your smile
- Preventing gum tissue sensitivity
- Preventing further gum tissue decay
- Preventing tooth decay
- Preventing teeth from coming loose or falling out
Gum Grafting Process at Eastside Dental Implant Center
When you come in for your gum graft procedure at Eastside Dental Implant Center, our priority is ensuring your comfort and well-being.
Anesthesia Administration
Upon arrival, we will apply a local anesthetic to numb the site where the gum graft will take place. This ensures that you remain comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
Procedure Initiation
Once the anesthesia has taken effect and you are properly numbed, we will proceed with the gum grafting procedure. Dr. Sidhu will begin by making a small incision into your mouth at a location where healthy gum tissue is abundant. This careful selection ensures optimal graft success.
Tissue Harvesting and Placement
Next, the healthy gum tissue will be delicately harvested and prepared for placement in areas where gum recession has occurred. Dr. Sidhu will skillfully position the harvested tissue to cover and protect exposed tooth roots, restoring a natural gumline appearance.
Incision Closure
After the gum tissue has been successfully placed, your Issaquah dentist will stitch the incision site to facilitate proper healing and integration of the graft. These sutures promote tissue adherence and stability during the initial healing phase.
Initiation of the Healing Process
Following the procedure, we’ll provide you with instructions for postoperative care to support optimal healing. As you recover, the stimulated tissue cells will regenerate and produce the healthy new tissue necessary for supporting dental implants.
Aftercare Tips
After undergoing soft tissue augmentation procedures alongside dental implant placement, it’s crucial to follow simple steps for proper healing:
- Medication: Take prescribed antibiotics and pain relievers as directed to prevent infection and manage discomfort.
- Oral Hygiene: Gently brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use an antimicrobial mouthwash recommended by your dentist to keep the area clean.
- Diet: Stick to soft or liquid foods for a few days to avoid putting pressure on the surgical site. Avoid hot, spicy foods and alcohol.
- Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol can slow healing. Avoid them during recovery.
- Follow-up Visits: Attend all scheduled appointments with your dentist for evaluation and any necessary adjustments.
- Watch for Problems: Watch for swelling, bleeding, or persistent pain. Contact your dentist if you notice any concerning symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
The duration of the gum grafting procedure can vary depending on the extent of the graft needed and other factors specific to your case. Generally, the procedure can take one to two hours to complete.
While some discomfort may be experienced during the healing process, the gum grafting procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure you remain comfortable and pain-free. Additionally, pain medication may be prescribed to manage any postoperative discomfort.
Grafted gum tissue usually takes one to two weeks to heal after the procedure. However, this can vary depending on factors such as:
- The amount of gum tissue grafted
- The type of gum graft procedure you undergo
- How well you take care of your gums post-surgery
- If you followed the post-operative instructions provided
Be sure to follow the instructions provided by your implant dentist to ensure your healing process goes smoothly. If complications arise, contact your implant dentist to schedule an appointment.
Most patients can resume their normal activities, including work, within a day or two following the gum grafting procedure. However, it’s essential to avoid strenuous activities and follow postoperative care instructions from your dentist to support optimal healing.