What is a Gum Graft?

Gum recession leaves the root surface of a tooth exposed. Instead of protecting the roots of your teeth, these susceptible areas are at an increased chance of developing decay and becoming sensitive.

Receding gums can be an indication that the bone around your teeth is shrinking away as well (periodontal disease). Other factors for receding gums can include tooth position (crowding), history of orthodontic treatment, aggressive brushing or smoking. Recession can also occur around dental implants. Some people have no symptoms with reccding gums, which other may notice pain with brushing, increased sensitivity, esthetic concerns (long teeth)

A gum graft can often help cover exposed roots caused by receding gums. Covering the exposed roots can improve the appearance of your teeth, decrease sensitivity and can also protect your teeth.

Types of Soft Tissue Grafts

Not every graft type can be used in every situation. This requires an examination and evaluation by your dentist.

Connective Tissue Grafts — This procedure uses a piece of gums taken from the roof of your mouth (palate), then placing the graft in the area where your gums are missing. The tissue is then sutured over the exposed tooth root to keep it in place.

Gingival Grafts — Similar to connective tissue grafts, gingiva grafts use a piece of skin taken from the roof of your mouth, but can require more than one surgery to cover over exposed roots.

Pedicle Grafts — If there is plenty of gum tissue next to the tooth with recession, the gums from one area can be stretched over to the area with missing gums.

Allografts — Using sterilized and screened donor tissues prevents the need of harvesting tissue from your palate, which can sometimes be uncomfortable. As such, allografts lessen surgical time but require antibiotics.