GUM GRAFTS
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| Gum Graft Before |
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| Gum Graft After |
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| Gum Graft Before |
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| Gum Graft After |
Ideally, thick strong gum tissue is needed to maintain an adequate seal around your tooth and to prevent plaque from getting under the gum tissue. When gum tissue is thin or completely absent, the tissue left around the tooth is moveable and easily retracted from the root. Therefore, it is much easier for bacteria to migrate under the tissue and damage the jaw bone. In addition, the exposed roots from thin or inadequate gum tissue are often sensitive and unsightly. Adding thicker stronger tissue will help prevent additional recession and possibly cover the exposed root surfaces. It may not be possible to cover 100% of the exposed root surfaces in every situation. However, the thicker denser tissue which is added during the gum graft (also known as connective tissue graft) will help prevent additional recession, allow for better maintenance and often reduce sensitivity.
The Procedure
After the surgical areas are numb, a small piece of tissue is removed from the palate and the tissue is sutured around the teeth with recession and thin gum tissue. The sutures dissolve in approximately 7 days. The end result is thicker, denser gum tissue which will protect the underlying jaw bone. The procedure for removing the palatal tissue has evolved so that it is much more comfortable post-operatively than it has been in the past. Only a small incision line is present on the palate which heals with minimal, if any discomfort.
