SERVICES

• Treatment Methods
• Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
• Perioscopic Treatment
• Scaling and Root Planing
• Bite Therapy
• Gum Grafting
• Frenectomy
• Crown Lengthening
• Bone Grafting
  • Overview
  • Socket Preservation
  • Ridge Augmentation
• Osseous Surgery
• Dental Implants
• Guided Bone and Tissue Regeneration
• Sinus Augmentation
• Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
• Oral Cancer Exam

Gum Grafting

Gum recession is not just an issue of the appearance of the gingiva. The gum tissues actually attach to the bone supporting our teeth and adhere to the neck of our teeth somewhat similar to the cuticle's adherence to our finger nail. The bone must be absent or must recede first for the gum line to change and take the visual form of recession. There is typically a very strong, genetically-based predisposition to bone loss of this type. When our teeth form within our jaws, ideally the bone is large enough to house each root and surround it with thick enough bone to protect and support the root and support the gingiva. If the jaw is narrow in some sections or if the tooth is larger than ideal for the available bone or if the tooth erupts too close to the surface of the bone, then the bone is predisposed to recede. The gum tissue surrounding the neck of each tooth is ideally very durable and protective, like the skin in the palm of our hand. When it is like that and is healthy, it forms a secure seal that helps serve as a barrier to challenges to the gums and bone from bacteria and from trauma. When the gum tissue surrounding the neck of the tooth is delicate, which it might be genetically predisposed to be, the seal is less effective and may not protect the underlying bone. If the seal cannot be regained non-surgically, gum grafting can provide a secure seal and restore the gum to a durable, protective form. Strong gum tissue typically has more volume than weak tissue and may cover a portion of the root of a tooth that has loss bone and gum support. Bone is not restored by this surgery, but strong gum tissues in the site of previous bone loss have been shown to protect the remaining bone very effectively over many years. This procedure is first designed to achieve the healthiest and strongest situation possible. There may be an improvement in the appearance of the section treated if root coverage is gained and the gum line appears more natural.

The specific process of this surgery is very carefully explained to each patient and the goals for individual teeth or groups of teeth with be described thoroughly. The doctors will use microsurgical instruments and techniques as described in the periodontal plastic surgery section of this website. Surgery this delicate will require very careful aftercare for it to be as successful as possible, which also seems to contribute to less discomfort and swelling after surgery of this type. Actually many of us on our team have needed gum grafting so each patient will benefit from what we learned when we were patients.

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.

The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable, healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth.