Gum Grafting in New York City
Gum grafts or soft tissue grafts combat the recession of soft tissue due to aging, over brushing, or periodontal disease. When the roots of the tooth are exposed, the teeth become temperature sensitive and aesthetics are adversely affected. This treatment is used to cover the exposed tooth root, strengthen existing gum tissue, and prevent further soft tissue loss.
Gum grafting may be necessary if periodontal disease has created severe gum recession. Grafting can also be provided after a gingivectomy, in which damaged gum tissue has been removed.
Gum Grafting Procedure
We provide gum contouring and grafting treatments for patients seeking to improve their smile, additionally we provide treatment for periodontal disease prevention. Whatever procedure you need, our priority is your gum health. Gum contouring or grafting may be recommended after a thorough examination of your smile and a consultation to answer any questions you may have about your procedure.
There are different kinds of gum tissue grafts that can be performed. The graft procedures include:
- Connective-tissue graft - This is the most common root exposure treatment method. During the procedure, a skin flap is cut on the roof of your mouth (palate) and tissue from under the flap, called subepithelial connective tissue, is removed and then stitched to the gum tissue around the exposed root. The flap is stitched back down after the connective tissue (the graft) has been removed from the palatal flap.
- Free Gingival grafts – Free gingival grafts, similar to the connective tissue graft, involve the use of tissue from the mouth's roof. But instead of making a flap and removing tissue below the top flesh layer, a small amount of tissue is removed directly from the mouth's roof and then attached to the treated gum area. This method is most commonly used in people who start with thin gums and need extra tissue to enlarge the gums.
- Pedicle grafts - In this procedure, it is grafted from gum around or near the tooth that needs repair instead of taking tissue from the palate. The flap is only partially cut off, called a pedicle, so that one edge remains attached. The gum is then pulled over or down and sewn into place to cover the exposed root. Only people who have plenty of gum tissue near the tooth qualify for this procedure.
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Our dentists take their time during treatment to shape or add tissue as needed to fulfill your desired aesthetics and restore oral health. We use a variety of gum contouring and grafting tools to create symmetry from one tooth to the next with precision.