Gum Grafting

Gum Graft Surgery In Daytona Beach & Palm Coast, FL.

A gum tissue graft (also known as a gingival graft or periodontal plastic surgery), is a collective name for surgical periodontal procedures that aim to cover an exposed tooth root surface with grafted oral tissue.

Exposed tooth roots are usually the result of gingival recession due to periodontal disease. There are other common causes, including overly aggressive brushing and trauma.

Here are some of the most common types of gum grafting:

• Free gingival graft: This procedure is often used to thicken gum tissue. A layer of tissue is removed from the palate and relocated to the area affected by gum recession. Both sites will quickly heal without permanent damage.
• Subepithelial connective tissue graft: This procedure is commonly used to cover exposed roots. Tissue is removed fairly painlessly from the outer layer of the palate and relocated to the site of gum recession.
• Acellular dermal matrix allograft: This procedure uses medically processed, donated human tissue as a tissue source for the graft. One benefit of this method is that it eliminates the need for donor tissue from the patient’s palate, reducing pain during the procedure.

Benefits of gum grafting

Gum graft surgery is a common periodontal procedure. Though the name might sound frightening, the procedure is commonly performed with excellent results.

Here are some of the major benefits associated with gum grafting:

• Reduced sensitivity: When the tooth root becomes exposed, eating or drinking hot or cold foods can cause extreme sensitivity to the teeth. Gum grafting surgery permanently covers the root exposure, helps reduce discomfort, and restores the good health of the gums.
• Improved appearance: Periodontal disease is characterized by gum recession and inflammation. Gum recession and root exposure can make the teeth look longer than normal and the smile appears “toothy.” Gum grafting can make the teeth look shorter, more symmetrical,and generally more pleasing to look at. In addition,adjacent tissue can be enhanced and augmented during the procedure for aesthetic purposes.
• Improved gum health: Periodontal disease can progress and destroy gum tissue very rapidly. If left untreated, a large amount of healthy gum tissue can be lost in a short period of time. Gum grafting can help halt tissue and bone loss; preventing further problems and protecting exposed roots from further decay.

What Does Gum Grafting Treatment and Restoration Involve?

Once the need for gum graft surgery has been determined, there are several treatments the periodontist will want to perform before gum grafting takes place. First, the teeth must be thoroughly cleaned supra and subgingivally with scaling and root planing to remove calculus (tartar) and bacteria. The dentist can also provide literature, advice, and educational tools to increase the effectiveness of homecare and help reduce the susceptibility of gum disease in the future.

The gum grafting procedure is usually performed under local anesthetic. For patients who prefer a scalpel-free, suture-free option, the Chao Pinhole technique may be an alternative for treating recession. The exact procedure will depend much on whether the tissue comes from the patient’s palate or a tissue bank.

Initially, small incisions will be made at the recipient site to create a small pocket to accommodate the graft. Then a split-thickness incision is made and the connective tissue graft is inserted into the space between the two sections of tissue. The graft is usually slightly larger than the recession area, so some excess will be apparent.

Sutures are often placed to further stabilize the graft and to prevent any shifting from the designated site. Surgical material protects the surgical area during the first week of healing. Uniformity and healing of the gums will be achieved in approximately six weeks. Review our post-graft surgery instructions for what to expect while you heal.