Soft tissue grafts are a reliable method for enhancing the health and appearance of the gums. This procedure involves opening a flap on the roof of the mouth and using soft tissue from elsewhere in the mouth or a specialized donor tissue.
We can also use graft material from a tissue bank or add tissue-stimulating proteins to encourage your body’s natural ability to grow bone and soft tissue. We will recommend the best option for you after evaluating your situation.
Restore Gingival Health
Healthy gum tissue forms a protective barrier to shield teeth and dental implants from harmful oral bacteria and the stresses of daily chewing, brushing and other activities. Gum tissue also covers the roots to protect them from exposure to the open air and prevent sensitivity and tooth loss.
If your gums are receding, a periodontist Austin can perform a soft-tissue graft to restore the appearance of your smile and your gum health. The procedure involves taking a piece of gum tissue from the roof of your mouth and grafting it over the weak and receding areas.
This surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. However, if you receive sedation, you must arrange for someone to drive you home. It is important to follow all postoperative instructions carefully to avoid infection and to heal properly. This includes avoiding brushing and flossing the area until it is healed. Contact your dentist if you experience pain, swelling, or bleeding that doesn’t stop.
Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
A soft tissue graft will not only restore gum line symmetry and improve aesthetics, but it can also reduce tooth sensitivity. It can cover exposed root surfaces, reduce plaque accumulation, and protect the roots from new decay.
Gum recession is not only a cosmetic issue that can make teeth look longer or uneven in size, but it can also cause tooth sensitivity because it exposes the roots to increased pressure, heat and other factors that can increase sensitivity. During the procedure, we remove some tissue from the roof of your mouth and stitch it to the gums to cover the root and protect it.
Alternatively, we may use medically processed donated tissue from a tissue bank instead of your gums to perform the graft. This type of graft is called a Pedicle Graft and works best for patients with adequate gum tissue near the affected area.
Prevent Tooth Loss
In many cases, gum recession is more than a cosmetic concern; it exposes the root surface and makes it vulnerable to decay and other health concerns. A gum graft covers the exposed root, extending the health of your tooth and its supporting bone structures.
During this procedure, a small strip of tissue is snipped from the roof of your mouth (palate) and stitched to the affected area. This method is called a free gingival graft or subepithelial connective tissue graft Pflugerville. It may also be used to augment a pedicle graft. Your Park Smiles NYC dentist will explain which method is best for you.
Although the site where your periodontist took tissue from the palate will feel uncomfortable, it is a fast-healing part of the mouth. The graft should be comfortable in just a few days. Protein-stimulating growth factors may be added to the area during surgery to accelerate healing. These proteins are similar to those your body produces on its own.
Reduce Oral Cancer
This highly reliable surgical procedure minimizes future gingival inflammation (gum disease), tooth loss, and dental implant failure and improves the aesthetics of teeth and implants. It is also used to promote healing after gum surgery.
This technique uses tissue from the roof of your mouth or a tissue bank. Your surgeon creates a flap in the top of your mouth and moves healthy tissue to cover a denuded area of your gums. This is called a pedicle graft.
The connective tissue graft may take about an hour and is done under local anesthesia. After the procedure, you may have some discomfort and pain, but this should go away within two weeks. During this time, you should avoid brushing and flossing the area of the graft. Instead, eat soft foods like yogurt, cooked vegetables, ice cream, and scrambled eggs. After the healing process, your dentist will reassess the grafted area and make sure it has healed properly.