Gum Grafting
Your gums are the framework for a healthy, beautiful smile. Gum recession is very prevalent today. This is due to a combination of factors involving genetics, malpositioned teeth, and heavy brushing habits. The resulting exposed root surfaces and thin tissue lack the appropriate seal around the tooth that gum tissue is meant to provide, contributing to bone loss in the site. Ultimately, this causes an increased risk of root cavities, painful tooth sensitivity, and teeth that appear quite long cosmetically. In some cases, severe recession may even lead to tooth loss.
We specialize in advanced techniques that not only restore the health of your gums but also restore maximum confidence in your smile.
Gum grafts come in many forms. They usually involve the movement of gum tissue from one area of the mouth to another to protect the root surfaces from decay or toothbrush abrasion. This prevents additional gum recession and can make the gums thicker and stronger around the teeth. We find that we can address most concerns with two types of gum graft procedures:
Free Gingival Graft
This is one of the oldest grafting procedures still performed. It involves taking a small piece of gum tissue from the roof of the mouth and placing it below the thin gum tissue to create thicker, stronger gums. It does not always cover the exposed root but can allow the gumline to move on its own, closer to where it belongs. We can sometimes use sites other than the roof of the mouth to obtain the needed gum tissue, which reduces the post-surgical soreness many people associate with this procedure. In addition, covering the donor site reduces post-operative pain and discomfort. The site can be covered with a retainer that covers the roof of the mouth or with a putty that is applied in the office at the time of the procedure. There are also tissue banks where donor gum tissue can be purchased for this graft in some cases, eliminating the need to create a second surgical site when obtaining the donor gum tissue. There are a number of clinical parameters that help the periodontist determine if this is the type of gum graft needed or if the Connective Tissue Graft is a better alternative.
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Post-op
Connective Tissue Graft for Root Coverage
The connective tissue graft uses a small piece of gum tissue obtained from the roof of the mouth or from a donor tissue bank. The gums in the recession site are gently lifted, and then the donor tissue is placed under the existing gums which are then stretched over the donor tissue to tuck it into place and cover the root. This will result in coverage of the exposed roots and thickening of the gums to help prevent recession from recurring. Toothbrushing methods must also be gentle moving forward. As gum recession becomes more severe, a periodontist's ability to use this grafting procedure decreases and it can result in the need for a two step procedure which is usually not as cosmetically pleasing. Early treatment of exposed roots is recommended due to the higher success rate.
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After