Gum Grafting - Pittsburgh, PA

Gum Grafting Can Correct Gum Recession Caused by Gum Disease

Gum Recession Can Harm More than Just Aesthetics

Gum recession is one of the most noticeable results of periodontal disease (gum disease) and is the movement of the gum line down the root of a tooth. Recession can be limited to one tooth or many and symptoms vary from none at all to root sensitivity, inflammation of the tissues, root exposure, cavities, or esthetic concerns. It’s important to have gum recession repaired because gum tissue is the primary barrier to bacteria. Without adequate gum tissue around the teeth, bacteria can cause gum disease, bone and gum deterioration, and even tooth loss.

Recession can have symptoms including:

  • Root exposure on one or more teeth
  • Root sensitivity
  • Inflammation of the tissues
  • Cavities
  • Aesthetic concerns
  • Teeth that appear longer than others
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  • Connective Tissue Graft

Cosmetic Benefits

Those who feel their teeth are too large or who are embarrassed by the amount of tooth showing can also benefit from gum grafting procedures. Gum grafting can also be used to lower the gum line to a more attractive level. Doing so will reduce the amount of tooth shown and increase the overall health of the teeth and gums.

There are three types of gum grafting surgery. Which type your dentist uses will depend on each person’s unique situation and specific needs.

Types of Grafting Procedures

There are four types of gum grafting surgery. The type we use will depend on your own unique situation, the degree of gum disease that you have experienced, and your specific needs. 

Connective tissue grafts are the most common form of gum grafts. During the procedure, the doctor will cut a flap of skin from the roof of your mouth and remove tissue from under the flap. The flap is then stitched back down. The excised tissue will then be stitched to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root. Over time, the attached tissue will grow together with the existing gum tissue, forming a healthier gum line around the tooth. In addition to natural grafts from the patient, some doctors prefer to use graft material from a tissue bank or synthetic material.

Free gingival grafts are similar to a connective tissue graft except that instead of cutting a flap to remove tissue underneath, a small amount of tissue is taken directly from the roof of the mouth. This tissue is then placed and attached directly to the gum area being treated. Doctors prefer this method for those who have naturally thin gums.

The pedicle graft method does not take graft tissue from the roof of the mouth. Instead, the gum tissue is grafted from existing tissue around the tooth needing repair. In this method, the flap, called a pedicle, is partially cut away so that one edge remains attached. The flap is then pulled over to cover the exposed root and sutured in place. This method is preferred for patients who have plenty of gum tissue near the tooth needing repair.

The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST™) is a minimally invasive alternative to gum grafting. During the procedure, Dr. Stypula uses a special tool to make a small pinhole in the gum tissues. She then gently moves the tissues into a more desirable position, all without the use of scalpels or stitches. With PST, multiple sites can be treated at once and the results are immediate.

Do you suffer from gum recession?

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