Although it might sound like a rather daunting surgical procedure, gum grafting is a relatively common option for improving the appearance of a smile. It is also useful in addressing a number of dental conditions such as excessive tooth sensitivity and tooth abrasion. At Century City Periodontics we offer all of the current surgical options such as Connective Tissue Grafts, Tissue Bank Allografts and Free Gingival Grafts.
|
|
Gum grafts are essential in treating a patient's
receding gum lines. This condition often follows
advanced cases of gingivitis and may ultimately
lead to exposed roots and the deterioration
of the bone surrounding the teeth. When left
untreated gingivitis can cause the gums to
recede deeply allowing bacteria to enter beneath
the gum line. This can lead to a more serious
form of periodontal disease called periodontitis.
In many cases, receding gums calls for surgical
gum grafting as the most appropriate solution. |
| The Procedure |
 |
In many gum grafting procedures the periodontist
will take some of the patient's own tissue for the
graft. This tissue is usually taken from the roof
of the mouth. A very thin piece is removed and carefully
placed onto the area where the gums have receded.
It is then carefully attached there with fine sutures.
The following are before and after images of connective
tissue surgeries.
| Mandibular (Lower) Front Teeth |
|
|
|
| Before Procedure |
After Procedure |
| Mandibular (Lower) Front Teeth |
|
|
|
| Before Procedure |
After Procedure |
| Mandibular (Lower) Front Teeth |
|
|
| Before Procedure |
After Procedure |
| Mandibular (Lower) Posterior Teeth |
|
|
| Before Procedure |
After Procedure |
| Maxillary (Upper) Anterior Teeth |
|
|
| Before Procedure |
After Procedure |
| Maxillary (Upper) Anterior Teeth |
|
|
| Before Procedure |
After Procedure |
| Mandibular (Lower) Posterior Teeth |
|
|
| Before Procedure |
After Procedure |
| Maxillary (Upper) Cani |
|
|
| Before Procedure |
After Procedure |
| Maxillary (Upper) Cani |
|
|
| Before Procedure |
After Procedure |
In individual cases where many teeth require extensive
grafting, the experts at Century City Periodontics
may choose to utilize a tissue banked grafting material
called Alloderm. This eliminates the need to harvest
tissue from the palate.
| Alloderm Treatment - Maxillary
(Upper) Left Posterior Teeth |
|
|
|
| Before Procedure |
After Procedure |
A significant area of the gum line can be grafted
at one time offering protection to a number of teeth.
The periodontal surgeon often uses enhanced vision
devices for this delicate surgery such as a surgical
microscope or magnifying glasses. Our surgical operatories
are equipped with everything necessary for successful
gum graft procedures.
The professionals at Century City Periodontics in
Los Angeles have wide experience with gum grafting
techniques and have achieved a high level of success.
Patients are usually very pleased with their greater
comfort and improved smile.
|
|
|
|
| Recession with abundant attached gingival adjacent on both sides. |
|
Incision is made to create a pocket to accept the graft. |
|
|
|
|
| A split thickness incision is made. |
|
The connective tissue graft is inserted into the newly created space. |
|
|
|
|
| It is secured in the tight space between the two sections of the split thickness area. |
|
The graft is positioned to cover the recession with some excess. |
|
|
|
|
| An additional suture can be placed to stabilize the graft and prevent movement. |
|
The 'coe pack' material is
used to protect the area during healing. The
packing and the suture is usually removed
one week later, at which point we can begin
to see healing of the area. |
|
|
|
|
|
| The area heals
and the connective tissue is covered with
attached gingival. In approximately 6 weeks
the tissue begins to look uniform. |
|
|
Back to the Top |
