More dental questions… I had a rather unsatisfying dental appointment this morning and now I’m bubbling with toothy curiosity.
My dentist refused to tell me about whatever reconstructive surgery they use to fix receding gums. How does it work? I just saw mentions of “skin grafts” on google, but haven’t found details about where the skin comes from, etc.
Lots of other kinds of skin on your body grows back over time. Aren’t there medications or treatments they could use to induce your gums to grow back after they start receding?
Wife wife had some gum work done last year. They basically cut out tissue from the roof of your mouth and carfeully sew it where it is needed on your gums. It can be quite painful but very effective. It heals completely in a few weeks and then you have good gums again.
Why in the world wouldn’t your dentist give you an answer?
Shag’s got it…cut & sew. I had it done 4 or 5 months ago, about 5 grafts or so, and I think Mr. Blue Sky did too. The first half day you’re still feeling the local so no pain. Plus, they’ll ramp you up on Darvon or some super Motrin and it’s not too bad. I shot my best round of golf ever because I was so dang loose. After awhile though when you’re tapering off on the pain killers it can be a little uncomfortable. I didn’t hesitate to call the periodontist and have him refill a perscription. It’s a routine procedure but do use a periodontist that’s done a lot of these and is well recommended.
If it’s got to be done then there’s really no alternative in meds, diet, etc. Surgery is it but it sure beats losing your teeth.
Googling ‘peridontal surgery’ gives lots of pictures and info…
I haven’t had it, but I did check in to it a while back. In addition to what Shagnasty wrote, they may also cut some of your gums and move them downwards a bit. I don’t know why they would use one technique over the other.
My dentist seems to be kind of arrogant/condescending. He said he didn’t want to worry me with unnecessary information. (He stopped short of using the phrase “your pretty little head.”)
So “cut and sew” is it? There are no amazing new advances in gum-regrowth technology?
