GUM GRAFTING
James Island & Charleston
Gum grafting relieves the discomfort of receding gums and sensitive roots and helps protect your teeth
Missing a tooth can negatively impact the quality of your life. Many are faced with having to miss out on favorite foods or the feelings of being self consciousness,. Fortunately, dental technology has come up with a permanent solution to missing teeth – dental implants. And unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants offer impressive long-term dental health benefits
When is Gum Grafting Needed?
In its early stages, you might experience bad breath or gums that bleed when you brush and floss. As the chronic condition progresses, your gums will begin to recede and expose the roots of your teeth. This is uncomfortable since these roots are quite sensitive. Your teeth may also become loose. In fact, periodontal disease is the main cause of lost teeth in American adults.
While gum disease is not reversible, we can correct the damage it causes using an advanced procedure called gum grafting. Gum grafting helps your body replace the lost tissue with healthy tissue for greater comfort and protection.
How Gum Grafting Works in James Island and Charleston
You might already be familiar with the concept of skin grafting. It’s used to treat damaged skin caused by burns or other severe trauma. Gum grafting is a similar idea.
While the name may sound kind of scary, the actual treatment is not. Different types of gum grafting techniques are available, and we’ll determine which one is right for you after a thorough evaluation and assessment of your needs. Some procedures require that we remove a small bit of tissue from the roof of your mouth, which is then surgically attached to the area where gum recession has occurred. Another type of graft takes tissue from around the gum where we’ll be making the repair. This can be done when you still have sufficient gum tissue in other areas.
Other options include using donor grafting materials from a tissue bank or a protein matrix that stimulates new tissue growth. We’ll explain your options and make sure you understand what’s available, which options we recommend, and why.
Self Care following a Gum Graft
To give your graft the best chances for success, you’ll want to take proper care of yourself following your procedure. Your dentist will provide you with a list of recommendations so you can achieve the best results, and it helps to plan in advance.
Keep these pointers in mind as you prepare:
Avoid brushing or flossing in the repaired area until it has fully healed. We’ll provide you with a rinse that will help control plaque while you heal.
If you are prescribed an antibiotic, be sure to take all the medication
Stock your pantry and fridge with soft foods such as eggs, Jell-O, ice cream, popsicles, cottage cheese, yogurt, smoothies, and protein shakes.
If you experience discomfort, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help. Avoid aspirin, however, since it can increase the risk of bleeding.
Convenience
Convenience
We make it easy and convenient to schedule appointments and make payments online with our patient connect portal.
Advanced Technology
Advanced Technology
We have the latest dental technology to care for all of your dental needs in-house.
Comfort
Welcoming Atmosphere
We strive to create a stress-free experience curated by our friendly and welcoming staff.
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New Patients
Are you a new patient to James Island Dental Associates? Get started now by following the link and completing the requested forms to make your visit easy and stress-free.
Current Patients
Get Started
New Patients
Are you a new patient to James Island Dental? Get started now by following the link and completing the requested forms to make your visit easy and stress-free.
Current Patients
We make is easy for existing patients of James Island Dental to easily access medical information, schedule appointments, and make online payments. Log in now.
ExcellentBased on 235 reviews
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Paul MeeksJune 15, 2023.She's super diligent & a cool person. Great combination!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Carol PelligraJune 15, 2023.Excellent friendly and knowledgable staff and they did a terrific job on my dental cleaning.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Joy SimmonsFebruary 14, 2023.I met Dr. Weir as a professor at MUSC dental school. I went to his office for a general visit after bone grafts. He preformed the most through dental/ mouth exam I have ever had in my life. He is kind and empathetic to me and always allows my emotions to flow. He is always up on state of the art in dentistry. He is professional, has integrity, and kind. He preforms dental implants and laser gum surgery. Check him out!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
K HubatchJanuary 13, 2023.Their dental hygienist, Kit, went above and beyond to help make my toddler feel more comfortable. My daughter had a previously negative experience, and Kit really took the time to help her feel comfortable and involved in the process. 5 stars for Kit!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Deb BoissonneaultAugust 29, 2022.Really like this dental practice. Everyone is friendly, helpful, & concerned for patient comfort. They get you in without months of waiting for an appointment. The service is prompt. I never feel as if the work is hurried or rushed. Finally, the dentists don't try to sell you procedures you don't need. I came to this practice because of a dentist who tried to sell me crowns I didn't need. Love this group.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Zach SolomonAugust 29, 2022.This office is so great that I actually like goingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Elizabeth ChristopherAugust 19, 2022.My husband, children, and I have been coming to this dentistry practice for over 20 years. We've never been tempted to go elsewhere.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
nancy farnumAugust 15, 2022.I had a root canal done with Dr.Thomas. It was almost painless,honestly!! This dental practice is TOP NOTCH!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Lisa MyersAugust 10, 2022.What a great experience.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Susan HolumAugust 10, 2022.Going to the dentist isn’t one of my favorite activities but this office always makes it pleasant. Kit does a great job and puts me at ease.
MORE QUESTIONS?
Each case can be different, but three options are available for you:
Dental Implant
The first is a dental implant, which acts as an anchor in the bone and a crown that attaches to the implant. The dental implant mimics a natural tooth by adding security and offering a permanent solution. The crown created to replace the tooth will be carefully crafted to blend in with your other teeth.
Dental Bridge
The second is a fixed bridge, which involves capping the two teeth adjacent to the space. The caps are joined to a pontic (the replacement tooth) and the whole unit is cemented onto the adjacent teeth. This option provides security and completes your smile, but doesn’t offer the same benefits as implants. When multiple teeth are missing, we can discuss using implants to hold a bridge in place, which allows us to avoid altering otherwise healthy teeth.
Partial Denture
The third option is a removable partial denture, which has the missing teeth attached to it and clasps that slide over your natural teeth to help it stay in place. This removable appliance will require extra care on your part and may need to occasionally be refitted; however, it’s an option that many people find easily affordable.
At James Island Dental Associates, Dr. Weir and Dr. Thomas are proud to provide comprehensive implant dentistry. The benefit to you is that when you get dental implants in James Island, SC, you will be working with one of our dentists and the team members you know and trust.
First Step of Implant Process
After you’ve completed an initial implant consultation to determine if this is the right procedure for your needs, the next step is placing the implant. Dr. Weir and Dr. Thomas utilize advanced 3-D technology to help them plan the placement of your implant well before the procedure. This pre-treatment planning results in more accuracy, precision, and a reliable outcome on the day of your surgery.
After Implant Placement
Once we successfully place your implant, we give it time to heal and integrate fully with bone in your jaw. In this way, the implant becomes a permanent part of your dental anatomy just as your tooth root was. The healing process can take anywhere from three to six months.
When you complete the healing process, our dentists create your final restoration. We can use implants to replace a single missing tooth with a durable and aesthetic porcelain crown. They are also capable of supporting multiple tooth replacement prosthetics such as a bridge or denture.
Contact Our Office
Dental implants are an excellent investment in your oral health and your smile, and your team at James Island Dental Associates looks forward to helping you through the process!
Dental Implants
The first is a dental implant, which acts as an anchor in the bone and a crown that attaches to the implant. The dental implant mimics a natural tooth by adding security and offering a permanent solution. The crown created to replace the tooth will be carefully crafted to blend in with your other teeth.
Dental Bridge
The second is a fixed bridge, which involves capping the two teeth adjacent to the space. The caps are joined to a pontic (the replacement tooth) and the whole unit is cemented onto the adjacent teeth. This option provides security and completes your smile, but doesn’t offer the same benefits as implants. When multiple teeth are missing, we can discuss using implants to hold a bridge in place, which allows us to avoid altering otherwise healthy teeth.
Partial Denture
The third option is a removable partial denture, which has the missing teeth attached to it and clasps that slide over your natural teeth to help it stay in place. This removable appliance will require extra care on your part and may need to occasionally be refitted; however, it’s an option that many people find easily affordable.
At James Island Dental Associates, Dr. Weir and Dr. Thomas are proud to provide comprehensive implant dentistry. The benefit to you is that when you get dental implants in James Island, SC, you will be working with one of our dentists and the team members you know and trust.
First Step of Implant Process
After you’ve completed an initial implant consultation to determine if this is the right procedure for your needs, the next step is placing the implant. Dr. Weir and Dr. Thomas utilize advanced 3-D technology to help them plan the placement of your implant well before the procedure. This pre-treatment planning results in more accuracy, precision, and a reliable outcome on the day of your surgery.
After Implant Placement
Once we successfully place your implant, we give it time to heal and integrate fully with bone in your jaw. In this way, the implant becomes a permanent part of your dental anatomy just as your tooth root was. The healing process can take anywhere from three to six months.
When you complete the healing process, our dentists create your final restoration. We can use implants to replace a single missing tooth with a durable and aesthetic porcelain crown. They are also capable of supporting multiple tooth replacement prosthetics such as a bridge or denture.
Contact Our Office
Dental implants are an excellent investment in your oral health and your smile, and your team at James Island Dental Associates looks forward to helping you through the process!
