Gingival (Gum ) Grafting

Gum Grafting Procedures
When recession of the gingival tissues (gums) occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and toothbrush trauma. If there is only minimal recession, some healthy gingiva often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying brushing techniques is necessary. However, when recession reaches the alveolar mucosa (the thin red tissue found on the inner lip and cheek), the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost. Gum recession often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance of the tooth. This recession makes the teeth appear longer and this longer appearance is synonymous with aging. Therefore not only are there significant health concerns, but there are cosmetic ones as well. Also, gum recession, when significant, can predispose to worsening recession and expose more of the root surface, which is softer than enamel, leading to root decay, increases abrasion and continued bone loss. Reconstructive grafting techniques are an option when gum recession becomes a problem.

Gingival Grafts
Gingival grafts are designed to solve these problems. In the traditional gingival graft, 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 gum tissue 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 first done in 1965, is highly predictable and results in a stable healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth. Its’ major drawbacks are significant discomfort from the donor site in the roof of the mouth and the lack of a predictable color match in cosmetically critical areas. Today, we perform very few gingival grafts, except in children or when we need to thicken the type of gum tissue around teeth prior to the fabrication of crowns or bridges. With the exception of these few specific indications, the gingival graft has been replaced by the connective tissue graft in our office.

PRE-OPERATIVE

/ POST-OPERATIVE

• Frenectomies
• Exposure of unerupted teeth
• Gingival (gum) grafting
• Connective tissue grafting
• Alterations in gingival (gum) symmetry
• Crown extensions(lengthening)
• Ridge augmentations