Gum Grafting

A gum graft is performed after gum recession has exposed a tooth’s root. Gum recession may cause the tooth to appear “long” or unesthetic. More importantly, having the root exposed can result in tooth sensitivity, cavities, or break down of the tooth structure. Over time, this can result in the tooth breaking or becoming loose. Gum recession may be due to many different reasons such as: genetics, aggressive tooth-brushing or trauma to the area, periodontal disease, parafunctional habits, previous dental procedures, and others.

Autogenous Gingival Graft

There are two types of gum tissue in the mouth: thick gums and thin gums. Thick gum tissue has a strong, dense protective layer and it is found immediately next to the teeth. As the gum tissue transitions towards the inside of the cheek and lips, it loses thickness and becomes thin gum tissue.

Teeth with recession have often lost the protective thick gum tissue. This can be rebuilt by using a gum graft from the roof of the mouth. This procedure allows us to regain healthy, resilient gum tissue to protect the tooth and prevent future gum recession.

Connective Tissue Graft

Connective tissue grafts are a reliable way to regrow healthy, protective gum tissue by covering your exposed roots. This also helps to increase the amount of thick gum tissue that will support and protect your teeth over the years. Some benefits to this procedure include:

• Using your own tissue with your own living cells
• Covering unsightly and sensitive roots
• Preventing further recession
• Regenerating thick, healthy tissue

Gum grafting can be performed in conjunction with restorative treatment. Please note that the patient elected not to treat the lower anterior bridge which was previously restored by a different dentist.

Allograft

There are many causes of gum loss, and several options for treating it. In cases where root coverage is needed, the usual treatment is to use a gum graft from the roof of the mouth. However, in many situations we can use donor tissue to avoid taking gum from the palate. This means a faster surgery and more comfortable postoperative experience. This procedure allows us to regrow healthy, long-lasting gum tissue that will help protect your teeth and smile.

Implant Gum Recession

Gums can recede around dental implants in a similar way to normal teeth. When gums recede on dental implants, the implant becomes exposed. This makes cleaning the implant more difficult and uncomfortable. Gum recession on dental implants may make patients feel self-conscious, and it can even result in implant failure if left untreated. There are techniques to help correct gum recession around implants, which will improve the overall appearance and longevity of the implant.