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Gum recession may seem harmless, especially if it is not causing pain. However, this condition can wreak havoc on your oral health and make you more susceptible to root decay, erosion, and other forms of dental damage. The best way to treat this condition is to cover the exposed roots with a gum graft. This procedure involves removing a small wedge of tissue from the roof of the mouth and transplanting it to the area of deficiency. There are several types of gum grafts. Here, we will discuss the different methods used and further explore why treating gum recession is so important. Why Treating Gum Recession is Important As aforementioned, gum recession can make the teeth more vulnerable to damage. However, this condition also signifies bone loss. As the gums recede, the bone underneath will follow suit. As a result, the teeth can become loose over time. In fact, if recession is left untreated, it can result in eventual tooth loss. Types of Gum Grafts The type of gum graft necessary will depend on the severity of recession. There are three primary methods used: connective tissue grafts, free soft tissue grafts, and pedicle grafts. Connective Tissue Graft A connective tissue graft is the most common treatment for recession. To perform this procedure, your dentist will first create an incision in the area of recession. Next, he or she will make another incision in the roof of the mouth. Here, a flap will be created, and connective tissue will be taken from beneath the surface of the skin. After closing the palate with stitches, the tissue graft will be placed over the exposed teeth roots and sutured into place. This will provide a strong band of tissue to protect the teeth and preserve oral health. Free Gingival Graft A free gingival graft is similar to a connective tissue graft. The only difference, however, is that the gum graft is harvested directly from the surface of the palate. This strong piece of tissue will help reinforce the gum line and is an excellent treatment option for those with thinning gums. Pedicle Tissue Graft Pedicle grafts differ from both connective tissue and free gingival gum grafts. During this process, the graft is obtained from nearby tissue rather than the roof of the mouth. A small flap is created next to the area of recession. Leaving one side of the flap attached, your dentist will then fold the tissue over to cover the exposed roots before suturing it into place. This procedure is popular among patients since the palate is not affected. However, pedicle grafts are only viable if there is plenty of extra nearby gum tissue. Grafting Materials: Autografts, Allografts, and Xenografts As dental technology advances, experts are finding ways to perform gum grafts without taking tissue from the palate. In some instances, donor tissue can be used instead. When performing gum grafts, there are three primary types of tissue: • Autografts: As described in the scenarios above, traditional gum grafting involves taking tissue from one part of the body and moving it to another. This is called an autograft. • Allografts: This type of graft is obtained from another human source. After sterilizing and freeze-drying the tissue, it becomes available for purchase through a bone and tissue bank. • Xenografts: Like allografts, xenografts can be purchased from a bone and tissue bank. This type of graft, however, is obtained from an animal source. In dentistry, grafts are typically harvested from bovine or porcine sources. In addition to placing a gum graft, many dentists utilize regenerative therapies to promote healing. The use of platelet-rich plasma has become commonplace in tissue grafting procedures. This substance is obtained from the patient’s own blood sample, which is spun in a centrifuge to isolate the plasma. Your doctor can talk with you about regenerative therapy to determine if it is appropriate for you. Learn More about Gum Grafts If you have recession, a gum graft is the most predictable way to restore lost tissue. To learn more, contact Metropolitan Dental Care, serving Denver and Lone Tree, CO. We have a periodontist on staff who has years of experience performing gum grafts. Contact us online or call our office at (303) 534-2626.
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gum recession, gum grafting, tissue grafting,
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