When recession of the gingiva occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an option.
When there is only minor recession, some healthy gingiva often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when recession reaches the mucosa, the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost.
In addition, 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 can predispose to worsening recession and expose the root surface, which is softer than enamel, leading to root caries and root gouging.
A gingival graft is designed to solve these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or gently moved over from adjacent areas to provide a stable band of attached gingiva around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root.
The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable, healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth.
When gum recession is a problem or when some teeth or dental implants have thin gum tissue, gum augmentation procedures using various sophisticated and advanced plastic surgical techniques of the gums are an option. Gum grafting helps prolong the longevity of the teeth and dental implants.
Guided tissue regeneration is an advanced surgical technique which uses biological agents to help regenerate the bone and gum tissue lost due to gum disease. This procedure can also be done along dental implants which suffer from bone loss. Patients who go through this procedure will need to be on a 3 month recall.
Our state of the art diagnostic and planning technology gives us the ability to offer same day dental implant surgical services. We offer a variety of surgical options to restore and replace lost gum and bone tissue to help achieve a stable long term solution with dental implants and we partner with your dentist to accomplish these goals as your dentist will be the one to perform the crown process.
