Gum Recession
When bone loss occurs, sometimes the gum tissue recedes resulting in exposed root surface which can give an unaesthetic appearance and in some cases sensitivity. There are several causes of gum recession which include: trauma from brushing the gum tissue too aggressively, genetically thin gums, accidental trauma, and in some cases, orthodontic tooth movement. The amount of supporting bone surrounding the teeth and the gum tissue dictates that type of tissue grafting.
Connective Tissue Grafting
When there is adequate supportive bone present, and the patient has adequate tissue thickness, connective tissue grafting is the corrective procedure that restores the gum to its natural, healthy state. Using connective tissue from the roof of the mouth, the receded gums are grafted and sutures are placed for a minimum of 2 weeks. The goal of the graft is to cover exposed tooth and root surfaces with grafted on oral tissue. This grafting encourages new tissue growth that will enable the gums to return to its original position around the teeth. The procedure is routine and entails a minimal amount of downtime.
Free Gingival Grafting
In some cases, root coverage cannot be achieved due to existing bone loss or if there is no band of thick gum tissue to support the teeth. The goal of Free Gingival Grafting is to restore a thick attached band of gum tissue around the teeth in order to prevent further recession and bone loss. This is not considered an esthetic procedure.
Gum grafting is uses soft gum tissue from the roof of the mouth, and leaves a site that will regenerate over a few weeks. The graft is placed in sites around the teeth where thicker gum tissue is needed. Stitches are placed and are removed at 2 weeks.
Allografting
Allografting is the use of tissue from a donor source (usually human) and is utilized when the patient does not have adequate tissue thickness on the roof of the mouth or chooses not to use tissue from the roof of their mouth. Using allograft tissue, the receded gums are grafted and sutures are placed for a minimum of 2 weeks. The goal of the graft is to cover exposed tooth and root surfaces with grafted on oral tissue. This grafting encourages new tissue growth that will enable the gums to return to its original position around the teeth. The procedure is routine and entails a minimal amount of downtime.