GUM GRAFTING

When recession of the gingiva occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an option.

When there is only minor recession, some healthy gingiva often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when recession reaches the mucosa, surgical treatment may be necessary to prevent additional loss of gum tissue and bone.

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 to worsening recession and expose the root surface, which is softer than enamel, leading to root caries and root gouging.

Soft Tissue Grafting
Soft tissue grafts can be used to increase gum tissue thickness or possibly cover exposed roots where gum is absent due to excessive gingival recession. During this procedure your periodontist takes gum tissue from your palate or another donor source to augment tissue thickness or cover the exposed root if possible.

A soft tissue graft can help inhibit further recession. In some cases it can cover exposed roots. This may reduce tooth sensitivity and improve esthetics of your smile.

A frenotomy is the surgical removal of a frenum in the mouth. A frenum is a fold of tissue that passes from the movable lip or cheek to the gum. A frenotomy is indicated when a frenum is positioned in such a way as to interfere with the normal alignment of teeth or results in pulling away of the gum from the tooth surface causing recession.

Since the bacteria that causes periodontal disease breed in the deepened pockets between the gum and the tooth, your dentists may attempt to eliminate the area in which this bacteria can grow with a gingivectomy.

In a gingivectomy, the periodontist will trim the unhealthy gum in order to reduce the pocket size. As a result, the bacteria will no longer have a suitable environment in which to grow, and healthy gum tissue can begin to grow back.

A gingival graft is designed to solve these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth, or gently moved over from adjacent areas, to provide a stable band of attached gingiva around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root.

As the graft heals, the area will continually maintain the new protective gum. Gum grafts are very predictable and usually need to be done only once.