gum grafting

Gum recession is a common dental condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls away, exposing the tooth root and creating pockets that form between the teeth and the gums. Receding gums can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, decay, loose teeth, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Multiple factors can contribute to gum recession, such as periodontal (gum) disease, genetics, aggressive tooth brushing, and misaligned teeth. Fortunately, there are advanced gum grafting solutions available to address this problem, restore oral health, and improve overall esthetics. At Sound Surgical Arts, we cater to the Tacoma, WA community, providing specialized gum grafting techniques designed to effectively resolve gum recession issues.

This comprehensive blog post will delve into the different gum grafting techniques that we offer in our practice, including gum grafting around bridges, gum grafting around implants, gum grafting for cosmetics and esthetics, gum grafting for recession, and gum grafting to cover roots. We’ll also discuss the benefits of these approaches, the treatment process, and post-operative care considerations.

Gum grafting plays a crucial role in maintaining excellent oral health and enhancing the appearance of your smile. When appropriately applied, these modern techniques can protect your teeth from further gum recession and decrease the risk of future dental complications.

Exploring Different Gum Grafting Techniques

  • Free Gingival Graft: The free gingival graft (FGG) is a traditional gum grafting method, involving the removal of a small piece of tissue from the patient’s palate (roof of the mouth) and attaching it to the area with gum recession. This procedure is often recommended for patients with thin gum tissue or those who require additional tissue thickness to protect tooth roots from exposure.
  • Connective Tissue Graft: The connective tissue graft (CTG) is another popular technique used to address gum recession. In this procedure, a flap is created in the patient’s palate to access the connective tissue beneath the surface layer. A portion of the connective tissue is removed and grafted onto the gum recession site to cover the exposed tooth root. The CTG is considered the gold standard in gum grafting for cosmetics and esthetics due to its high success rate and natural-looking results.
  • Pedicle Graft: The pedicle graft utilizes existing gum tissue adjacent to the tooth with gum recession. In this technique, a flap (pedicle) is created from the neighboring gum tissue and repositioned over the exposed tooth root, while still keeping one edge attached to its original location. Pedicle grafts have a high success rate and provide excellent esthetic outcomes when adequate gum tissue is present around the affected tooth.
  • Acellular Dermal Matrix Graft: The acellular dermal matrix (ADM) graft is an alternative to harvesting tissue from the patient’s palate. This procedure uses a donated, processed, and sterilized human tissue matrix that promotes the growth of the patient’s gum tissue and integrates with it over time. ADM grafts are an excellent option for patients who prefer not to undergo tissue harvesting from their palate or require multiple grafting sites.

Gum Grafting: What You Can Expect

  • Before the Procedure: Our dedicated team will thoroughly assess your oral health, identify the areas of gum recession, and determine the most suitable gum grafting technique based on your specific needs. You may be asked to follow certain pre-operative instructions, such as discontinuing specific medications or utilizing a pre-surgical antibacterial mouth rinse.
  • During the Procedure: To ensure your comfort during the gum grafting procedure, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. The chosen gum grafting technique will be performed diligently and carefully to cover the exposed tooth root and promote tissue regeneration. Depending on the extent of your gum recession, the procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete.
  • After the Procedure: Following your gum grafting procedure, you will be provided with detailed post-operative instructions, including medications, oral hygiene practices, and dietary recommendations. It’s crucial to follow these guidelines to facilitate a smooth healing process and prevent complications. You might experience some swelling and pain, which can generally be managed with over-the-counter painkillers and cold compresses.

Periodic follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the healing progress and assess the success of the gum grafting procedure. Once your gums have fully recovered, you’ll likely notice a significant improvement in gum health, tooth sensitivity, and esthetic appearance.

When Gum Grafting Isn’t Enough: The Pinhole Surgical Technique

In some cases, gum grafting might not be the most appropriate solution for gum recession. The pinhole surgical technique (PST) is a revolutionary, minimally invasive alternative to gum grafting that involves making small pinholes in the gum tissue and gently repositioning it over the exposed tooth root. There’s no need for scalpels, sutures, or tissue grafting in this procedure, resulting in faster recovery times and reduced post-operative discomfort.

Investing in Your Oral Health and Smile

Undergoing a gum grafting procedure not only improves the appearance and esthetics of your smile but also plays a vital role in maintaining your overall oral health. By correctly addressing gum recession issues and preventing further complications, you can enjoy the long-lasting benefits that gum grafting and other alternative treatments offer.

Trust in the skilled and compassionate team at Sound Surgical Arts to deliver the best gum graft in Tacoma and a personalized oral care experience. Contact us today!