Soft Tissue Grafting In Leesville, SC: What To Expect

Soft tissue grafting helps rebuild and protect receding gums. At Leesville Dental Associates in Leesville, South Carolina, this guide outlines when grafting is recommended, how the procedure works, and what recovery involves. Patients in Leesville, SC can use this overview to understand soft tissue grafting options before visiting the office.

Soft Tissue Grafting Explained

Soft tissue grafting is a type of periodontal plastic surgery that adds or thickens gum tissue around teeth or implants. It is often recommended for gum recession, exposed roots, tooth sensitivity, or thin, fragile gum tissue. A graft may use tissue from the roof of the mouth, nearby gum tissue, or a carefully processed donor material.

Common approaches include:

• Connective tissue graft: Tissue is taken from under a small flap on the palate and placed over exposed roots.
• Free gingival graft: A thin piece of tissue is harvested from the palate to increase gum thickness in an area.
• Pedicle graft: Nearby gum tissue is repositioned to cover the recession site.

Many people ask about connective tissue graft vs. free gingival graft. The choice depends on whether coverage of exposed roots, added thickness, or both are needed. dentists will recommend the method that best fits your situation.

How Soft Tissue Grafting Can Help

Grafting supports long-term oral health and comfort. Benefits may include:

• Reduced sensitivity: Covered roots are less reactive to hot, cold, or touch.
• Stronger gum tissue: Thicker gums are more resistant to future recession.
• Improved oral hygiene: A healthier gum line can make brushing and flossing easier.
• Root protection: Covered roots are less prone to wear and decay.
• More even gum line: Enhanced appearance where recession has created a "long tooth" look.

The Soft Tissue Grafting Process

The process begins with a periodontal evaluation, including measurements of gum recession, dental imaging if needed, and a review of your goals. For many patients in Leesville, SC, soft tissue grafting can be completed in one visit.

• Preparation: Local anesthesia is used to numb the area. Sedation may be available based on the plan.
• Graft placement: The recipient site is prepared, and graft tissue is positioned and secured with fine sutures.
• Protection: A dressing or protective layer may be placed over the graft to support early healing.
• Instructions: You receive written guidance for medication, rinsing, and diet.

Most procedures take 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the number of teeth involved. Some cases are staged over multiple appointments for comfort and predictability.

Your Grafting Experience: Before And After

Before the procedure, plan a soft diet and arrange a ride if sedation is used. Avoid smoking or vaping, as these can slow healing. Discuss current medications and supplements in advance.

After the procedure, it is normal to notice mild swelling, slight oozing, or temporary sensitivity. A cold compress used intermittently on the first day can help. Brush and floss other areas as directed, but avoid the graft site until cleared. An antimicrobial rinse may be recommended. Choose soft, cool foods such as yogurt, applesauce, eggs, and pasta. Avoid straws, spicy foods, seeds, and crunchy items near the graft.

Soft tissue graft recovery time varies, but initial healing usually takes one to two weeks, with full maturation over four to eight weeks. Sutures are often removed in about one to two weeks. Protect the site from trauma and follow all instructions to improve the chances that the graft "takes."

Risks And Considerations

• Minor swelling, bruising, or bleeding can occur for a short time.
• Graft tissue may not fully integrate in rare cases, requiring further care.
• Color or texture differences may be visible as the area heals.
• Tobacco use and uncontrolled grinding can reduce success.

When combined with good home care and regular checkups, gum grafting can help stabilize the gum line and protect teeth long term.

Next Steps

If you have gum recession or tooth sensitivity, a consultation can determine whether soft tissue grafting is appropriate. Contact Leesville Dental Associates at 803-532-3331 to schedule a visit with Dr. Michael Cappellucci or Dr. Laura Walls.