Gum Recession Treatment

What is Gum Grafting?

Feeling long in the tooth? A gum graft (also known as a gingival graft or periodontal plastic surgery) is a collective name for a surgical procedure that aims to cover an exposed tooth root surface with grafted gum tissue. Exposed tooth roots are usually the result of gum recession due to periodontal disease. There are other common causes, including overly aggressive brushing and trauma.

Why Do I Need a Gum Graft?

Over time, gum recession can continue to the point where the protective type of gum around your teeth is nearly gone, and the roots of your teeth are left open to chronic gum infection and bone loss around that tooth. Decay can also form along the root, which can also cause some bothersome sensitivity in the area.

How is Gum Grafting Done?

There are several different types of grafting but here are the most common ones:

Free gingival graft – This procedure is often used to thicken gum tissue. A layer of tissue is removed from the palate and relocated to the area affected by gum recession. Both sites will quickly heal without permanent damage.
Sub-epithelial connective tissue graft – This procedure is commonly used to cover exposed roots. Tissue is removed fairly painlessly from the outer layer of the palate and relocated to the site of gum recession.
Acellular dermal matrix allograft – This procedure uses medically processed, donated human tissue as a tissue source for the graft. The advantage of this procedure is that there is no need for a donor site from the patient’s palate and thus, less pain. This is our preferred method as it has only one surgical site and no donor site, thus allowing for easier healing.

Reasons For Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is a common periodontal procedure. Though the name might sound frightening, the procedure is commonly performed with excellent results. Here are some of the major benefits associated with gum grafting:

Reduced sensitivity – When the tooth root becomes exposed, eating or drinking hot or cold foods can cause extreme sensitivity to the teeth. Gum grafting surgery permanently covers the exposed root, helps reduce discomfort, and restores the good health of the gums.
Improved appearance – Periodontal disease is characterized by gum recession and inflammation. Gum recession and root exposure can make the teeth look longer than normal and the smile to appear “toothy.” Gum grafting can make the teeth look shorter, more symmetrical and generally more pleasing to look at. In addition, adjacent tissue can be enhanced and augmented during the procedure for aesthetic purposes.
Improved gum health – Periodontal disease can progress and destroy gum tissue very rapidly. If left untreated, a large amount of gum tissue can be lost in a short period of time. Gum grafting can help halt tissue and bone loss, preventing further problems and protecting exposed roots from further decay.

What Does Gum Grafting Treatment Involve?

Once the need for gum grafting surgery has been determined, there are several treatments our dentists will want to perform before gum grafting takes place. First, the teeth must be thoroughly cleaned to remove calculus (tartar) and bacteria. Our dentists can also provide literature, advice and educational tools to increase the effectiveness of homecare and help reduce the susceptibility of periodontal disease in the future.

The gum grafting procedure is usually performed under local anesthetic. The exact procedure will depend much on whether tissue is coming from the patient’s palate or a tissue bank. Initially, small incisions will be made at the recipient site to create a small pocket to accommodate the graft. Then the connective tissue graft is inserted into the space between the two sections of tissue. The graft is usually slightly larger than the recession area, so some excess will be apparent.

Sutures (stiches) are often placed to further stabilize the graft and to prevent any shifting from its intended position. Uniformity and healing of the gums will be achieved in approximately six weeks.

At Love Your Smile Today we are very experienced with these procedures and have treated hundreds of patients with fantastic results. Call us today to schedule your consultation and let us help you get your gums looking great again!

Before

After