Gingival Grafting

Gums are part of the healthy foundation of our teeth. They support our teeth and serve as a protective barrier between harmful bacteria found in the mouth and our blood streams. Gingival grafting is a procedure offered to patients with receding gums. Receding gums cause root exposure which can lead to sensitivity, decay, bone loss, and can eventually lead tooth loss if left untreated. Gingival grafting can also be used esthetically for a better looking smile. The procedure can be completed using the patient’s own tissue or donor tissue. Sometimes gum tissue can become thin and begin to recede down a tooth, the goal of tissue grafting is to bulk up the tissue in the area as well as cover the root surface. If you think about the skin on the palm of our hands, it is usually thicker and callused verses the skin on the top of our hands which is very thin and not meant to withstand the forces that our palms do. Gum tissue is very similar. Our doctors will exam each area of your mouth to determine where you may benefit from tissue grafting for the longevity of teeth.

All three of our doctors are certified in the Chao Pinhole procedure, in which collagen is used, however, our doctors may recommend a patient use their own tissue depending on the severity of recession.  A pouch is created underneath the gum tissue, the graft is slid inside the pouch and then sutured in place. This technique has been perfected and provides proven, long lasting results and is performed by all three of our doctors.