Gum Grafts

Gum grafting involves using a small piece of your own soft tissue to cover areas around teeth that have receded. Gum recession can be caused by aggressive brushing, smoking and gum disease. Not only does this make the teeth more sensitive, but it can increase the chances of developing tooth decay. We will use a small piece of soft tissue extracted from the palate area of the mouth and then graft it in front of these teeth.

Why Would I Need Gum Grafting?

The reason soft tissue grafting might be needed is because you have receded gums. Gum recession is often caused by constant smoking, gum disease and because you're brushing too hard and aggressively. Unfortunately, gum recession leaves your teeth more susceptible to decay. Receding gums can even be an aesthetic problem, so it is important to consider soft tissue grafting to correct the issue.

To determine if soft tissue grafting is needed, we will perform an examination. If you have areas of moderate to severe gum recession, we may recommend that you have soft tissue grafting done. If you only have slight recession, we will recommend lifestyle and oral hygiene changes to prevent the issue from getting worse. If you need soft tissue grafting, it's a good idea to consider having the procedure done sooner rather than later.

What Happens During the Gum Grafting Procedure?

The procedure begins with sedation of your choice so that you are relaxed and comfortable for surgery. We then remove a small piece of tissue from the palate of your mouth. This piece of tissue is placed over the areas where the gums have receded and sutures are placed so that it is unable to move. Over time, the soft tissue will fuse and bond with the surrounding area. In order to prevent gum recession from happening again, we recommend quitting smoking, properly brushing and flossing each day and switching to a soft bristle electric toothbrush.

If you would like to learn more about gum grafting, call our dental office today so that we can get you in for a convenient consultation appointment.

Patients who are experiencing gum recession are now able to have treatment using the patented Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST). Unlike traditional surgical options for treating gum recession, PST is incision-free and non-invasive. Our periodontist has been trained and certified to use PST as part of our ongoing commitment to providing the latest techniques and technologies to our patients. Pinhole Surgical Technique- English, Pinhole Surgical Technique- Spanish

The term “gum recession” is used to describe a loss of soft tissue along the gumline. This loss is most often caused by periodontal disease, abrasive brushing habits, or natural aging. When the gum line recedes, the roots of the teeth can become exposed. This can lead to tooth decay both at and even below the gumline. PST is a treatment technique that is used to correct gum recession and to help prevent gumline tooth decay.

Conventional treatment for gum recession involves the grafting of new soft tissue onto the patient’s gums along the gumline. The tissue used for this graft is obtained either from the patient’s own tissues or from a donor. In grafting, the new tissue is sutured in place against the gums, where it bonds with the natural gums during the healing process. This method has long been effective in treating gum recession. However, PST provides comparable results with significantly less discomfort, along with other benefits.

When utilizing PST, our experienced periodontist uses a needle to make a tiny hole (or “pinhole”) in the gum tissue. We then use specially designed instruments to gently loosen the gum tissue through that minute hole, expanding the tissue to its proper coverage. PST requires no cutting or sutures at any point in the treatment.

Some additional benefits of PST include:

• Patients experience less discomfort during treatment and recovery with PST than with conventional surgical treatment.
• Patients have reduced recovery time with PST than with grafting.
• PST does not require sutures.
• PST involves no invasive cutting.
• PST does not use tissue grafting.
• Patients will notice immediate cosmetic improvement with PST.
• PST provides long-lasting results.

Our periodontist is trained and certified to provide PST for gum recession treatments. Our entire periodontal team is committed to providing state-of-the-art periodontal care with comfort and full attention. We gladly accept new patients of all ages. For more information on the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today.