Gum (gingival) recession is often times caused external forces (such as: orthodontics, grinding, clenching, muscle attachments) on thin biotype (thin gingiva and thin underlying bone). Oftentimes, to improve biology, option of gingival graft is presented. The goal is to improve horizontal and vertical thickness of attached gum tissue and thus will stabilize recession. These procedures are called free gingival graft.
>> Speaker 1: This is Dr. Ko. I’d like to take the next few minutes to talk about two slides. This is our two slide series. This patient came to me because we were looking at worsening recession. As you can probably tell from this picture that there is quite a bit of root exposure and then a lot of times along with root exposure, they tend to be an easier accumulation of plaque around the gum, and sometimes we’ll result into some gum disease, sometimes will result to gingival inflammation or bleeding. What we’re trying to set out to improve for her is to actually increase the thickness of gum tissue. There are two types of gum tissue that we’re looking at here in this picture. The lining is actually quite nicely demarcated right here by my cursor, and right above it is what we called non-attached gingival. Basically this tissue moves around, we call these mucosa, so the tissue itself does not bound to bone, and when you pull your lip around the tissue moves around right underneath is what we call attached gingival.
>> Speaker 1: So these are the tightly buttoned gum tissue that basically prevents plaque from going underneath. So think of this as a really strong cuff that does the prevention. When the mucosa moves around, this is really the counterforce. So whenever there’s not enough thickness here, the gum tissue really gets pulled up or down, depending on which jaw you’re talking about. But in this case, the tissue is pulling up and the thin tissue now is getting pulled up further away from the enamel, and then the roots are now getting close. So in this particular case, the patient is one, is having trouble keeping it clean. Second is suffering from some kind of sensitivity, especially to cold. So we take the tissue from the palate and transport it to wherever it needs more tissue, and this is really the result. So going back and forth here, I think this is four weeks after we did the procedure.
>> Speaker 1: The recession seems to be better on both teeth. The tissue, the thickness of tissue now really probably went from maybe one or two millimeters to now about seven. So this healthy tissue is going to prevent the tissue from sliding on further. Unfortunately, it does not cover the roots completely, but you do get about a millimeter of rebound effect. So the recession actually appears to be better. Alright, so that’s basically gingival graft in a nutshell, and this particular procedure is called free gingival graft. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at our office, (508) 478-3800, till next time.
Increased thickness of gum tissue in this young person will provide long term stability of the gingiva and prevent future recession. This is 4 weeks post-op.
There are three types of gum grafts: connective-tissue grafts, free gingival grafts, and pedicle grafts. Connective-tissue grafts are most commonly used because the procedure involves taking a flap of healthy tissue from the roof of your mouth then stitching it over the precise area suffering from an exposed root and gum recession. Free gingival grafts involve the same process as connective-tissue grafts except that the tissue is specifically taken from the palate of the mouth. Lastly, pedicle grafts use the tissue next to the affected tooth in need of repair.
Gum Grafting FAQ
What is gum grafting?
Gum grafting is a dental procedure used to treat gum recession, where the gums pull back from the teeth, exposing the roots. During this procedure, the exposed roots are covered by donor tissue or tissue taken from another part of your mouth. In addition to making your gums look better, gum grafting helps shield your teeth from discomfort and decay.
Why would I need gum grafting?
Gum grafting may be necessary if you have gum recession caused by gum disease, aggressive brushing, genetic predisposition, or trauma. Receding gums can expose the sensitive roots of your teeth, leading to increased tooth sensitivity, a risk of cavities, and even tooth loss. Gum grafting helps restore gum tissue and prevents further complications.
How is gum grafting performed?
The gum grafting procedure typically involves the following steps: First, the dentist numbs the area to ensure you’re comfortable. Then, they either take tissue from the roof of your mouth or use donor tissue to cover the exposed areas of the tooth roots. The graft is carefully placed and sutured into place. The entire procedure usually takes less than 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case.
What are the different types of gum grafts?
There are three main types of gum grafts:
- Free gingival graft: This involves taking tissue from the roof of the mouth and placing it on the affected area.
- Connective tissue graft: A small flap is made in the roof of your mouth to access tissue grafted onto the receded area.
- Pedicle graft: Tissue is taken from an adjacent area of healthy gums, leaving the tissue attached to the site for blood supply.
Your dentist will recommend the most suitable type based on the extent of gum recession.
Is gum grafting a painful procedure?
During the procedure, you will be numbed with local anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain. After the treatment, you could have some pain or swelling, but these can typically be controlled with over-the-counter painkillers and by following your dentist’s aftercare recommendations. Most patients experience minimal pain and recover within a few days.
How long does it take to recover from gum grafting?
The recovery time for gum grafting typically lasts 1-2 weeks. Most people experience mild swelling and discomfort for a few days following the procedure. It is important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions, including avoiding hard foods and maintaining proper oral hygiene, to ensure the graft heals properly. Full healing can take several months, but you should start noticing improvements in gum coverage and sensitivity within a few weeks.
What are the benefits of gum grafting?
Gum grafting offers several benefits, including:
- Protecting tooth roots from further damage and decay.
- Reducing tooth sensitivity, especially to hot and cold temperatures.
- Improving the aesthetic appearance of your smile by restoring a natural gumline.
- Preventing additional gum recession and tooth loss.
- By addressing gum recession early, gum grafting helps protect both your oral and overall health.
During a gum graft procedure, the patient doesn’t feel a thing as we use a local anesthetic to keep them pain-free. After the operation, the patient may experience some soreness and slight discomfort, which can be effectively treated with a combination of rest, cold compresses, and, if needed, prescription medication. With proper care, the gum graft will protect the previously exposed root and serve as a healthier gum line, restoring your smile and confidence. Please feel free to contact us to learn more about your gum condition or request an appointment online
