- Treatment Methods
- Scaling and Root Planing
- Occlusal Adjustment
- Osseous Surgery
- Soft Tissue Grafting
- Clinical Crown Lengthening
- Guided Tissue Bone Regeneration
- Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
We monitor our appointment requests several times a day and will usually reply within one business day during open hours.
Soft Tissue (Gum) Grafting Procedures
When recession of the gingiva occurs, the root of the tooth becomes exposed. This makes the site(s) more susceptible to decay, plaque build-up, sensitivity, and gum tissue irritation. It can also present an esthetic problem for the patient. Grafting techniques are available which can restore health and esthetics by replacing lost gum tissue coverage over the root.
Before Soft Tissue Graft
After Soft Tissue Graft
When there is only minor recession, some healthy thicker (keratinized) gingiva often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when recession is advanced (3 mm or more), the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is weakened or lost. The site is then more susceptible to infection and continued bone loss.
In addition, gum recession often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance to the gum and tooth. Gum recession, when significant, can predispose an area to worsening recession. The exposed root surface, which is softer than enamel, can develop root decay and root gouging.
A gingival graft is designed to solve these problems. There are basically two types of gum grafting to treat this condition.
- Free Gingival Graft: A thin piece of tissue is positioned in the area of recession to provide a stable band of attached gingiva around the tooth. The tissue is obtained from the patient, usually from the roof of the mouth. The graft may or may not provide root coverage. This gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth. The increased band of thick tissue in the area will protect the site from further recession and maintain health.
- Connective Tissue Graft: To obtain root coverage for cosmetics or to eliminate sensitivity, a thin piece of tissue is obtained from the patient, usually from the roof of the mouth. This tissue is positioned in the area of recession and the patients gum tissues at the site are repositioned to cover the graft tissue. Upon healing, the recession is resolved or greatly improved.
A donor tissue is also available for these procedures, which eliminates the need to take tissue from the patient’s palate.
