Recession Treatment/Gum Grafting

When gums recede, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma, which can result in premature tooth loss. When gum recession reaches the mucosa, the first line of defense again bacterial attack is lost. When gum recession becomes problematic, gum reconstruction using a variety of gum replacement techniques best suited for your particular condition, becomes an option.

Gum recession results in bone loss around a tooth. It Gum recession often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance of the gum and tooth. When significant gum recession exposes the root surface, which is softer than enamel, it can lead to root caries and root gouging.

A gum or gingival graft is designed to solve these problems. In treating gum recession, we have multiple options to regenerate the lost tissue. One option is taking thin piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth and transplanting it to the recession defect. Another option is using donor tissue or synthetic tissue instead of the patient’s own tissue. There are other options that our surgeons can discuss on a case-by-case basis. A thorough examination is necessary to provide treatment options that are tailored to each individual patient.

The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable healthy band of attached gum tissue around the tooth, which preserves the underlying bone and helps retain the tooth.

Our doctors are specialty-trained to obtain and interpret sophisticated low-dose 3-dimensional radiographic images of your jawbone and dentition using cone beam computed tomography. With this valuable information, the etiology and treatment options can be accurately defined and discussed with the patient. This provides us with the opportunity to deliver a more predictable and long-lasting outcome.

Gingival (gum) grafting is a technique-sensitive procedure that requires surgical precision and expertise that should be conducted by a specialist. As periodontists, Drs. Farris, Gonzalez, Sharma and Little uniquely specialize in the care of gums and bone that are the foundation of teeth.