Do you have receding gums? Are you considering gum graft surgery in North Toronto? Receding gums are a common issue plaguing many people today and the best treatments are available when this condition is diagnosed as early as possible. Receding gums are a type of periodontal disease that can have serious effects on dental health as well as personal appearance. If the condition is not properly treated, the gums will continue to recede to the point where the root of the tooth is exposed and this can lead to tooth loss and/or infections. The recession of the gums can sometimes be very subtle and people may not even notice. Other times there is increased sensitivity to hot or cold in the teeth that signifies there is an issue. Regular dental visits are vital to help diagnose the early signs of this disease.

In advanced cases of receding gums, surgery may be necessary in order to protect the teeth and promote healthy gums. A gum graft is a surgical technique that is used to reverse the effects of receding gums. A gum graft may sound like a complex or invasive procedure, but today the process is relatively quick and easily performed by an experienced periodontist using only a local anesthetic to the area. There are different severities of gum grafts that can be used to correct varying degrees of gum recession. In some cases, people are even electing to have the process done just to improve the look of their smile.

There are three common types of gum graft procedures available for patients depending on the severity of the issue. These types of grafts are:

• Connective tissue grafts – tissue is removed from the below the top layer of tissue on the roof of the mouth. This tissue is then glued to the existing gum tissue to correct the gum recession.
• Free gingival grafts – a more invasive and more painful procedure that removes tissue directly from the roof of the mouth. This tissue is then stitched to the existing gum tissue.
• Pedicle grafts – the most limited in scope procedure that grafts tissue from the surrounding gum area. This tissue is left connected and then stretched to cover the area of the gums that are receding. The tissue is held in place by stitches.

Dr. Lloyd Hoffman is a periodontist with over 30 years of experience treating patients from all over the Greater Toronto Area. He is proud to offer a Richmond Hill office location with state-of-the-art equipment while maintaining a comfortable and patient-focused environment.

Receding gums can be a very serious condition which affects both your health and appearance. Contact Dr. Hoffman today for all of your periodontal needs including gum graft surgery in North Toronto.