Gum Therapy in Ottawa: Restore Your Oral Health and Prevent Gum Disease

What is Gum Grafting?

Gum grafting is a procedure used to treat gum recession, which is when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth and exposes the root. Receding gums can lead to tooth sensitivity, higher risk of cavities on the roots, and eventually bone or tooth loss if left untreated. Gum grafting restores healthy gum coverage, protects the roots, and improves the appearance of the smile. For patients with gum recession, we provide free gingival grafts here in-house, while more advanced connective tissue grafts are performed by our oral surgery partners. Both treatments are designed to protect your teeth and keep your gums strong for years to come.

‍

Types of Gum Grafts

There are different methods of gum grafting, depending on the amount of coverage and type of repair needed:

1. Free Gingival Graft (Done In-House)
   • In this procedure, a small piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and placed where the gums have receded.
   • It is especially useful when a patient needs to increase the thickness of the gum tissue for better long-term stability.
   • This is a treatment we can perform here in our office.
2. Connective Tissue Graft (Referred to an Oral Surgeon)
   • This technique requires carefully lifting a flap of tissue from the roof of the mouth and transferring the deeper connective tissue to cover the exposed root.
   • It provides a more natural-looking gumline and is often chosen for esthetic areas or for larger, more complex grafting needs.
   • Because this procedure is more specialized, we refer patients to a trusted oral surgeon for these treatments.

Why Gum Grafting is Important

• Protects Exposed Roots: Prevents further wear, sensitivity, and risk of root cavities.
• Strengthens Gums: Thickens and stabilizes thin or fragile gum tissue.
• Improves Smile Aesthetics: Restores a more even, healthy-looking gumline.
• Supports Long-Term Oral Health: Helps preserve the bone and natural teeth.

‍