Bone grafting is a procedure used in dentistry primarily to reconstruct bone defects in the jaw, most often before implanting a dental implant. It is often associated with previous tooth loss, periodontal disease (periodontal disease), or trauma. Although this procedure is intended to help your jawbone regenerate, many people wonder whether it is also possible to grow back gums. The answer to this question is complex and depends on many factors.
The role of gums and their damage
Gums play an important protective role for your teeth. They surround and seal your teeth, protecting them from bacteria and other factors that cause tooth problems. The loss or recession of gums can lead to tooth hypersensitivity, loosening of teeth, and in extreme cases, the loss of teeth. The most common cause of gum recession is periodontal disease, although it can also be caused by aggressive tooth brushing, malocclusion, bruxism, or smoking.
Bone grafting – what exactly rebuilds?
During a bone grafting procedure, the dentist inserts bone material into the place where you have lost bone in your jaw. It can be the patient's own bone, animal bone, synthetic bone, or a mixture of different types. Once the material is placed, the body begins the regeneration process – the new bone grows into the surrounding structures and fills any gaps in your bone structure. It is worth noting that this procedure only involves rebuilding bone, not soft tissues such as gums.
Can gums grow back?
Unlike bone, gums do not have the ability to grow back on their own to a significant extent. When recession occurs, or gum recession, they usually do not return to their original place without surgical intervention. Although healthy gums can regenerate to some extent after treating inflammation (e.g., after scaling or curettage), this does not mean that their original level is restored.
Combination of bone grafting and gum grafting
In cases of advanced gum recession or loss, dentists often combine bone grafting with soft tissue reconstruction procedures. One such procedure is gum grafting, which involves taking a piece of tissue (usually from the palate) and transplanting it into the recession site. These types of procedures are called periodontal procedures and are intended to improve both aesthetics and oral health.
Factors influencing the success of bone grafting
The effectiveness of both bone grafting and gum reconstruction depends on several factors:
- The stage of periodontal disease,
- the patient's general health,
- oral hygiene,
- lifestyle (e.g., smoking significantly reduces the chances of success),
- the experience of the oral surgeon.
In Conclusion
Gums do not grow back on their own after bone grafting. Although bone regeneration is possible and often effective, gum reconstruction requires separate surgical procedures. If the goal of treatment is comprehensive reconstruction of both bone and soft tissue, gum grafting or other periodontal methods may be necessary. It is always worth consulting a specialist periodontist or oral surgeon, who will plan an individual course of treatment tailored to the patient's needs. If you have noticed gum recession or if you are ready to take a step towards a healthy smile, contact us today for more information!