Dr. Marianne is the only dentist in Denmark with formal education and title as a Board Certified Periodontist in gum treatments, and is therefore one of the few to offer this procedure. For more info visit the danish version of our website for updates.
Gingival grafting is done when the gum has receeded, and perhaps to the point where the root has been exposed.
Why did my gums receed?
The gums may have receded for a number of reasons. These include aggressive tooth brushing, periodontal disease, orthodontic movement or problems with your occlusion (bite).
Dr. Hoffmeyer will help you identify the contributing factors and advise you how to control these factors. It is important in order to help prevent new or further recession of your gum and bone loss. This will be done prior to any soft tissue grafting procedure.
Reasons for this procedure
- To cover roots
- Recude senitivity
- For esthetics
- To develop gum tissue where absent due to excessive gingival recession.
- To make prosthethic devices (such as dental implants) look more natural.
- In some cases to protect the root from decay
- Prepare teeth for orthodontic treatment
How is it done?
During the root coverage, gum tissue from your palate or other materials are used to facilitate coverage of the exposed root. This can be done for one or several teeth.
Gingival (gum) Grafting
Soft tissue grafts can be used to improve your smile, cover roots and develop gum tissue where absent, e.g.:
- Cover exposed roots or implants due to gum recession that make the tooth look too long.
- Make implants, crowns, bridges and dentures look natural around the gum-line.
- Prevent food trapping in the gum and recession around implants and teeth.
- Protect roots from decay
- Prepare roots for orthodontic treatment when the gum is too thin.
- Repair gum that has receeded after orthodontic treatment
- Reduce tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and liquids
- Improve the esthetics of you smile.
A tooth is normally surrounded by pink, thick, dense gingiva (gum) that forms a tight seal and barrier against bacterial access to the underlying bone. When recession occurs on a tooth this pink gingival seal becomes narrower or disappears. Instead the soft, red, thin and loose tissue (mucosa) found adjacent to the gingiva now acts as a loose seal around the tooth, not withstanding trauma very well. The natural defense against bacteria and trauma is reduced.
When minor recession in healthy gingiva occurs, it is most likely treated by changing oral hygiene procedures. When recession reaches to the mucosa (soft, red tissue) a gingival graft procedure is performed.
A little piece of gum tissue is taken from your own mouth (e.g. palate) or from another donor source and covered over the exposed root. Sometimes tissue can be gently moved over from adjacent areas. These procedures can be done for one or several teeth. This procedure results in a stable healthy band of attached gum tissue around the tooth.