Gum Grafting

What is Gum Recession?

Receding gums are one of the most noticeable results of gum disease and can be identified by the movement of the gum line shifting down the root of the tooth. Gum recession can be limited to a single tooth or several teeth and symptoms include inflammation of the tissue, root cavities, root exposure, and root sensitivity. It is important to have gum recession repaired because the gums serve as a primary barrier to bacteria. Without enough gum tissue around the teeth, bacteria can cause an infection that leads to gum disease, tooth decay, bone and gum deterioration, or tooth loss.

Treating Gum Recession

The solution to gum recession and restoring the gums to a more natural and attractive state includes a procedure called gum grafting. There are three kinds of gum grafting and they include:

Connective tissue grafts

• The most common form of gum grafts, this type of graft is used to treat root exposure around a single tooth or several teeth. The procedure involves cutting a flap of skin from the roof of that mouth and removing tissue from under the flap.

Free gingival grafts

• Instead of cutting a flap to remove tissue from underneath, this grafting technique involves taking a small amount of tissue from the roof of the mouth and then attaching it to the gum area in need.

Pedicle grafts

• In this procedure, the gum tissue is grafted from existing tissue around the tooth that needs to be repaired and a flap is cut away so that one edge remains attached. The flap is pulled over to cover the root and sutured into position.

Cosmetic Benefits of Gum Grafting

Many people with receding gums are embarrassed by the amount of tooth showing and can enjoy some cosmetic benefits from a gum grafting procedure. A gum graft can return the gum line to a more attractive level and reduce the amount of tooth that shows when you smile.