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Gum Grafting Procedures
Subepithelial Connective Tissue Grafts
Gum Grafting Overview
For a brief narrated overview of the gum grafting process, please click the image on the below. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about gum grafting.
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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, the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost.
In addition, gingival recession often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance. Gingival recession, when significant, can predispose you to further and more severe recession. The resulting exposure of the root surface will increase the risk of tooth decay.
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.
Gingival Allografts (Alloderm)
A new innovation in gingival grafting is use of an Allograft. This technique utilizes skin graft tissue produced by a tissue bank. This is the same tissue which has been used for burn victims quite successfully. The main benefit of this technique is that no tissue need be taken from the roof of your mouth. The surgery is therefore smaller in scale and limited only to the area of gum recession.
The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth.