Soft Tissue Grafts
Periodontics Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of periodontics, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to periodontics are discussed.
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Gum Grafting Overview
For a brief narrated overview of the gum grafting process, please click the image on the right. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about gum grafting.
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Periodontal procedures are available to stop further dental problems and gum recession, and/or to improve the esthetics of your gum line.
Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession. Perhaps you wish to enhance your smile by covering one or more of these roots that make your teeth appear too long. Or, maybe you're not bothered by the appearance of these areas, but you cringe because the exposed roots are sensitive to hot or cold foods and liquids.
Your gums may have receded for a variety of reasons, including aggressive tooth brushing or periodontal disease. You may not be in control of what caused the recession, but prior to treatment we can help you identify the factors contributing to the problem. Once these contributing factors are controlled, a soft tissue graft procedure will repair the defect and help to prevent additional recession and bone loss. Soft tissue grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue where absent due to excessive gingival recession.
Procedure
During this procedure, gum tissue is taken from the palate or another donor source to cover the exposed root. A recipient site is prepared in the affected areas. The graft is then gently adapted and sutured into the recipient site to either cover exposed root surfaces and/or to create a wide band of protective gum tissue. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity.
Benefits
A soft tissue graft can reduce further recession and bone loss. In some cases, it can cover exposed roots to protect them from decay. This may reduce tooth sensitivity and improve esthetics of your smile.