Connective Tissue Grafts
Connective Tissue Grafts are to improve your smi)e
If you need to have a gum tissue graft, this simple procedure can help to correct a receding gum line. Connective tissue grafts are done to improve your smile. The graft protects the bone under the gums from deterioration you see as recession. This type of procedure is sometimes part of implant therapy if you are having crowns and dental implants.
Here is information on connective tissue grafts. See below for pictures of these procedures to help you get an idea of the Before & After effects.
When you’re ready to set up an appointment to discuss gum tissue grafts, let us know. We’re here to help with any questions you have!
Why You Might Need a Gum Graft
If you need to have a gum graft, it doesn’t mean there’s always an infection present.
Gums can recede for several reasons:
-
You might brush your teeth too vigorously.
-
You may have periodontal disease or another type of gum infection.
-
You might have hormonal changes making your gums sensitive.
-
You may have gingivitis from inadequate dental care (if you don’t rinse, brush your teeth and floss daily). This can lead to plaque buildup.
-
It can be hereditary as it affects about 30 percent of people.
-
Tooth eruption out to the lip which may affect future orthodontic treatment
If left untreated gum recession can adversely affect your teeth. They can loosen and fall out. Or, a dentist might have to pull them out.
Gum Tissue Grafting Procedure
When a gum graft is taken, you will receive a local anesthetic to numb the treated areas to keep you as comfortable as possible. The grafted gum will cover any exposed roots from the tooth to help protect it. This can reduce and stop any tooth sensitivity that you might have had.
There are different types of gum tissue grafts.
These include:
A connective tissue graft
The tissue is taken from a flap under the roof of your mouth in the sub-epithelial tissue. It’s stitched into your gum line. The flap in the roof of your mouth is then stitched closed.
When more than two areas need a graft, Dr. Straka may recommend a donor graft called Alloderm instead of using your own tissue.
Why Choose Straka Periodontics?
When you choose Straka Periodontics, our team of doctors will help to restore your smile. We know you want a smile so you can feel confident again and our restorative team is here to help.
We offer a professional service that will treat any underlying dental issues first because we want you to have a healthy mouth. We’ll make recommendations to help you maintain good oral hygiene after your crown lengthening surgery and subsequent crowns are added.
Timeframes
Connective tissue grafts are completed after we discuss the best option for you and examine your gums. After your procedure, you’ll eat soft foods (eggs, yogurt, jello, ice cream). No biting into foods especially if graft is placed on lower front teeth (most common area).
You don’t want hot foods that can burn the graft or irritate it. You’ll also have an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque while the graft heals as you can’t brush your teeth or floss near that area until it heals. We might recommend Aleve if you are experiencing any pain.
You’ll follow up two follow up visits, at one week and again at two weeks post procedure. Healing of the graft site takes 1-2 weeks and the full maturity of the graft can take 1-2 months. A pre and post-operative pictures will be taken for comparison.
BEFORE
AFTER