Do you suffer from severe gum recession? Dr. Robert Cain uses Soft Tissue Allograft surgery in his Knoxville, TN office to help correct any problem that may arise from a receding gum line. Soft Tissue Allograft benefits patients who may need to cover an exposed tooth root, improve their gum line, and prevent future oral health problems.
This simple surgical procedure can be done on one tooth or several teeth. It will also help prevent your gums from further recession.
Why Does Gum Recession Happen?
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing the tooth root and causing gaps between the gums and the tooth. This is an invitation for disease-causing bacteria to invade and build up. That can easily result in gum and tooth damage, tooth sensitivity, and even tooth loss.
Gum recession can have many causes. Periodontal disease, vigorous brushing, using a toothbrush with bristles that are too hard, or inherited factors such as gum thickness can increase the risk of gum recession. Most people may not even realize their gums are receding. Some people may experience tooth sensitivity to hot and cold due to exposed tooth roots. If you notice it, you may worry about how it affects your smile as the tooth appears longer and the space between your teeth widens.
Before and After Soft Tissue Allograft in Knoxville, TN
The Benefits of Soft Tissue Allograft
This treatment offers many benefits:
- Improves the Look of Your Smile: Gum recession can make your teeth look too long, creating a “toothy” smile. A soft tissue allograft adds new gum tissue to cover the exposed areas, making your smile look more balanced and natural. This can boost your confidence and give you a more youthful appearance.
- Reduces Tooth Sensitivity: When the roots of your teeth are exposed, they can become extremely sensitive to hot, cold, and even sweet foods. This can make eating and drinking uncomfortable. A soft tissue allograft covers the exposed roots. It helps reduce sensitivity so you can enjoy your favorite foods without pain.
- Protects Your Gum Health: Gum recession doesn’t just affect the way your smile looks—it can also lead to serious dental problems. Exposed roots are more likely to develop cavities, and receding gums can increase the risk of gum disease. A soft tissue allograft helps protect your gums from further damage, keeping them strong and healthy.
Soft Tissue Allograft Procedure
Before the grafting procedure, Dr. Cain may need to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums to eliminate plaque or tartar. Depending on the graft size, the procedure may be done under a local anesthetic.
Surgery
Dr. Cain uses a highly durable connective tissue graft to ensure the best results for patients. During the procedure, Dr. Cain will cut a piece of skin from the roof of your mouth. Then, we remove the tissue under the flap and stitch it to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root.
Stitches will be applied to close the area and prevent shifting from occurring. Once the graft is stitched, a dressing will be applied to protect the stitches for a few weeks.
Healing
The first six weeks after surgery are crucial to the healing process. You must follow aftercare instructions. You should avoid irritating the gum line with brushing and flossing. Dr. Cain will give you a special rinse to use instead, and it will help keep your gums clean and infection-free.
Dr. Cain may also prescribe an antibiotic to guard against infection if necessary. If you are in pain, over-the-counter pain medication will help put you at ease. After your procedure, Dr. Cain will schedule a follow-up visit to remove your stitches if they haven’t dissolved on their own and check your gums during the healing process.
Soft Tissue Allograft FAQs
Learn more about soft tissue allograft treatment in Knoxville, TN, with answers to these common questions:
Can a soft tissue allograft treat multiple areas at once?
Yes, a soft tissue allograft can treat multiple areas of recession in one procedure. Since we use donor tissue instead of taking it from your palate, we aren’t limited by the amount of tissue available in your mouth. This makes treating multiple teeth more efficient and comfortable than traditional grafting techniques.
How does a soft tissue allograft differ from traditional gum grafting?
A soft tissue allograft uses donor tissue instead of tissue from your palate, as with traditional grafting. This approach eliminates needing a second surgical site in your mouth, reducing post-operative discomfort and recovery time. The donor tissue is carefully processed and sterilized to ensure safety while providing results similar to traditional grafts.
Will I be awake during a soft tissue allograft?
Yes, you’ll likely be awake during the procedure, but you won’t feel any pain. First, Dr. Cain will use a local anesthetic (like the kind used for fillings) to completely numb your gums so you don’t feel anything. f you’re nervous, you might be given a mild sedative to help you relax, but you’ll still be awake.
You’ll be aware of what’s happening, but you shouldn’t feel discomfort. If you have anxiety, let Dr. Cain know, and they can discuss ways to make you more comfortable.
How is donor tissue for soft tissue allografts obtained?
Donor tissue comes from certified tissue banks that follow strict safety and ethical guidelines. The tissue is processed to remove cells, ensuring it’s sterile, biocompatible, and ready for integration with your gums.
Can I get a soft tissue allograft if I have gum disease?
If your gums are just inflamed but not badly damaged, you may still qualify for a graft after a good cleaning and proper care. But if your gums and bone are badly infected, Dr. Cain will likely treat the gum disease first to control the infection. A graft won’t work well if your gums aren’t healthy enough to heal.
You might need deep cleanings or other treatments to get your gums healthy. Once the disease is under control and your gums are stronger, Dr. Cain can check if a graft will help.
Can a soft tissue allograft improve gum health beyond aesthetics?
Yes, the procedure enhances the appearance of your gums and strengthens them, reducing the risk of further gum recession, root exposure, and sensitivity. It also helps protect teeth from decay and structural damage.
What should I avoid after a soft tissue allograft?
For the first week, avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods and strenuous physical activities. Stick to soft foods and follow your dentist’s cleaning instructions to prevent disturbing the graft site. You should also avoid smoking to ensure proper healing.
Who is a candidate for a soft tissue allograft?
Candidates include individuals with gum recession, thin or weak gum tissue, or those at risk of further tissue loss. Patients who want to avoid harvesting tissue from their palate are also ideal candidates. Dr. Cain will assess your condition to confirm eligibility.
Restore Your Gum Health
Do you suffer from receding gums? Call Dr. Robert Cain for a soft tissue allograft in Knoxville, TN, at (865) 276-7173. You may also schedule an appointment with Dr. Cain on our website. Let us know if you have questions about gum treatment in our office. We’re here to help.
