Surgical Procedures
Gum Tissue Grafting
Gum Tissue Grafting Overview
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When recession of the gingiva occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an option.
When there is only minor recession, some healthy gingiva often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when recession reaches the loose, elastic, cheek tissue, the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost.
In addition, gum recession often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance to the gum and tooth. Gum recession, when significant, can predispose to worsening recession and expose the root surface, which is softer than enamel, leading to root decay and root gouging.
A gingival soft tissue graft is designed to solve these problems. In the classical approach, a thin piece of tissue is taken from under the roof of the mouth, or gently moved over from adjacent areas, and transplanted to the site needing treatment to provide a stable band of attached gingiva around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root. It is essential to remember that the goal of grafting is first to create more gum tissue. Covering exposed root structure can be accomplished in some cases; however the position of the bone underlying the tissue will dictate whether this is possible.
New approaches to this type of surgery allow you to avoid using your own tissue should you desire. In this technique a tissue obtained from a tissue bank is utilized as the graft material instead of your gum tissue. In this type of surgery, your body will absorb the graft material and replace it with your own tissue. In three to four weeks all of the graft material has been replaced with new gum tissue.
This technique allows Dr Manhart to treat large grafts or multiple graft sites where obtaining enough donor tissue from the roof of the mouth may not be possible. Some patients elect to pursue this type of grafting to avoid the donor surgical site.
The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth.