Soft Tissue Grafting
Gum recession is a common dental problem, but it often goes unnoticed until it’s relatively severe because it’s so gradual. It is the process in which the tissue surrounding the teeth starts to pull away from a tooth, exposing more of it and eventually exposing its root. In addition to causing tooth sensitivity, this can cause damage to the supporting bone and look unattractive. Leaving an exposed root untreated can also lead to further dental complications.
Treatments for Receding Gums
If caught early enough, receding gums can be treated with simple methods such as reevaluating your flossing habits, getting a mouth guard, or switching to a softer toothbrush. If the cause of the gum recession is determined to be periodontitis, you may benefit from a special cleaning called a scaling and root planing.
Soft Tissue Grafting Treatment Options
However, if the recession is too far advanced, a gum tissue graft will be needed. There are three types of gum tissue grafts. The type that is performed for you will depend on your specific needs.
-
Connective-tissue graft
– This is the most common method to treat root exposure.
-
Free gingival graft
– This procedure is most often used to treat people who have thin gum tissues, to begin with.
-
Pedicle graft
– This procedure can only be done in people who have plenty of gum tissue, to begin with, as it involves “sharing” soft tissue between the affected area and the adjacent gum.
To discuss if you may be a candidate for soft tissue grafting, book a consultation with our Pearland or Pasadena offices today!
