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Gingival Grafts
Soft Tissue Grafts
There are several procedures that are available to stop and prevent gum recession by reinforcing the tissue and improving the aesthetics of your gum line after gum recession has occurred by covering the roots back up.
Gum recession leads to exposed root surfaces and “long looking teeth”. Exposed root surfaces can sometimes be sensitive to hot and cold foods and liquids. They may also be more susceptible to decay and the accumulation of bacterial plaque due to the uneven gum line.
Gum recession may occur for different reasons, including aggressive tooth brushing or periodontal disease. Other factors such as individual tooth misalignment and tooth movement may also play a role in the development and progression of recession.
Prior to treatment, Dr. Waring will help you to identify the specific factors contributing to your periodontal problem. Once these factors are controlled, a soft tissue grafting procedure will be done to either repair the present gum defect by covering the roots, or to prevent additional recession and bone loss by reinforcing the gum line.
Soft tissue grafts can cover the exposed root surfaces to reduce the plaque accumulation due to an uneven gum line, thus protecting the roots from new decay. It can also reduce tooth sensitivity by covering the exposed root surfaces. An even gum line improves the aesthetics of your smile and allows you to speak and eat with comfort and confidence.
Procedure
During these procedures, gum tissue is taken from your palate or Dr. Waring can use the freeze-dried donor tissue, AlloDerm. A recipient site is prepared in the affected areas. The graft is then tightly adapted and sutured into the recipient site to either create a wide band of gum tissue or to cover the exposed root surfaces. This can be done for individual or multiple teeth.
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| Gingival Recession on the Mandibular Left Canine |
Appearance after a Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft |
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| Gingival Recession on the Mandibular Left First Bicuspid |
Appearance after an AlloDerm Graft |
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| Gingival Recession on the Mandibular Central Incisors |
Appearance after an AlloDerm Graft |
MARK C. WARING, D.D.S.
COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT SURGERY - TEMPE, AZ