Gum Grafting
Bone holds up gum. Gum recession will not occur if normal bone levels are found around the teeth. Bone loss can occur from periodontal disease or as a result of the root of the tooth being out of the bony housing. There are two types of gum. One is strong and bound down (called attached gingiva), one is not (alveolar mucosa). Areas of bone loss without strong gum have a good chance of receding. In these situations the problem can be made worse by aggressive brushing, especially with new generation “whitening” toothpaste. Brushing with a soft toothbrush with a nonabrasive toothpaste will reduce the probability of recession.
Areas of recession can be successfully repaired. One of the goals is to prevent further recession, a secondary goal (although frequently an important one) is covering the exposed root surface. There are several reasons to treat these areas.
Continued gum recession
Esthetic concerns (long teeth)
Dental restorative margins that with touch the gum margin
Proposed orthodontic therapy
Continued abrasion of the exposed root surface
Thermal sensitivity (especially to cold) from root exposure
Gum recession can be treated in several ways, all of which involve gently lifting the existing gum tissue. The goal is to establish a band of healthy, strong bound-down tissue. Several types of materials can be used for augmentation. The material that has the greatest longevity and the best long-term results is the patient’s own gum. The tissue is harvested from an area that has the type of strong gum needed, then placed underneath the tissue in the graft site. In selected cases, a specific type of human donor tissue can be used as a substitute. These two materials have the best long-term results.