Gum Grafting

A gum graft (also referred to as a gingival graft or augmentation) is a name for several surgical periodontal procedures whereby grafted oral tissue is used to cover an exposed tooth root surface.

Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis or advanced gum disease, can cause gingival recession. Other causes include aggressive tooth brushing, thin gum tissue, clenching and grinding of teeth, orthodontics, smoking, malpositioned teeth, and oral piercings. The recession back of the gingiva, or the gum, exposes tooth results. Exposed tooth results have both health and aesthetic ramifications.

“Long teeth” have been a symbol of aging for a long time, hence the phrase “long in the tooth.” In addition, to improve appearance, gum grafting can help reduce dental sensitivity. Also, a smile with some “long teeth” loses its symmetry and symmetry is a hallmark sign of beauty.

When a tooth root is exposed, the tooth can become sensitive to temperature, thus making eating and drinking painful. Eating and drinking are two activities that bring universal joy and promote family, friendship, and culture. Oral pain can quickly turn into a social hurdle.

Gum health is important. Gum disease should not be allowed to run rampant in the mouth. Periodontitis is linked to many severe health systemic health issues. Gum grafting regenerates lost tissue and helps stop the progression of tissue and bone damage. Accordingly, preventing more problems and protecting teeth from decay.

There are three common types of gum grafting.

1. Free gingival graft is commonly used to thicken gum tissue and increase fibrous tissue around the root surface. Root coverage is not a primary goal with this procedure. The outer layer of tissue is removed from the palate and placed in the area affected by gum recession. This procedure can lead to a mismatch in tissue color. As such, if possible, then the below two procedures are generally more preferred.

2. Subepithelial connective tissue graft is frequently used to cover exposed roots and thicken gum tissue. Tissue is removed from the inner layer of the palate and relocated it to the area suffering from gum recession.

3. Acellular dermal matrix allograft (AlloDerm) uses medically processed, donated human tissue as a tissue source for the graft. The obvious advantage here is that it does not require Dr. Dianati to use tissue from a patient’s palate. Consequently, there are less incisions and less pain. Learn more ablout Acellular dermal matrix allograft (AlloDerm).

Before any gum grafting can take place, the teeth must be thoroughly cleaned to remove calculus and bacteria. The gum grafting procedure itself is performed under anesthesia and sometimes sedation. The exact procedure will depend on whether tissue is coming from the patient’s palate or via donor tissue. This is a decision that a patient must make after consulting with Dr. Dianati.

Call our office today at 818-584-1841 for a consultation to review saving your teeth.