Gum Graft also known as "Tissue Grafting"

Before & After Photographs

Gum recession is a gradual process in which the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away, or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth, or the tooth's root. Receding gums or “gum recession” may be one of the first signs of gum disease. When gum recession occurs, "pockets," or gaps, form between the teeth and gum line. This process causes disease-causing bacteria to build up. If left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged and result in tooth loss.

Gum recession is a fairly common dental condition. Most people are not aware they have gum recession since it occurs gradually. The initial sign of gum recession is tooth sensitivity, or you may notice a tooth looks longer than normal. Often a notch can be felt near the gum line.
Factors that can cause your gums to recede, including:

• Genetics: Some people may be more susceptible to gum recession, despite any known contributing factors and regardless of how well they care for their teeth and gums.
• Gum disease: Periodontal disease is an important contributing factor in gum recession.

• Tobacco Use: Tobacco users are more likely to have thicker and sticky plaque on their teeth that is difficult to remove, which can cause gum recession.
• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in female hormone levels such as in puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can make gums more sensitive and more vulnerable to gum recession.
• Aggressive tooth brushing. Brushing your teeth too hard or the wrong way can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away, damage the gum lines and cause your gums to recede.

• Misaligned bite. When teeth do not come together evenly, too much force can be placed on the gums and bone, allowing gums to recede.
• Clenching your teeth. Clenching or grinding your teeth can put too much force on the teeth, causing gums to recede.
  
  
  How is Gum recession Treated?                                                                                                                                                            There are several types of gum tissue graft procedures, but the most common and predictable technique used by Dr. Eslami at Powell Oral Surgery and Periodontics is called a connective tissue graft. In this procedure, a flap of skin is made at the roof of your mouth (palate) and tissue from under the flap, called subepithelial connective tissue, is carefully removed and stitched to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root. After the connective tissue -- the graft -- has been removed from under the flap, the flap is stitched back down. Another type of graft that is less commonly performed by Dr. Eslami is called free gingival graft, where the tissue is taken directly from the roof of the mouth instead of under the skin. Sometimes, if you have enough gum tissue surrounding the affected teeth, Dr. Eslami may be able to cover the exposed tooth root and not remove tissue from the palate. This procedure is called a pedicle graft. In certain situations, Dr. Eslami may elect to offer another or alternative source of tissue for tissue grafting procedures. AlloDerm is an acellular dermal matrix derived from donated human skin tissue supplied by US AATB-compliant tissue banks utilizing the standards of the American Association of Tissue Banks and FDA guidelines. AlloDerm is regarded as minimally processed, is not significantly changed in structure from the natural tissue so the FDA has classified it as banked human tissue. Alloderm is used by Dr. Eslami in selected cases where enough donor tissue is not available or if you are not a candidate for connective tissue grafting.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       If the bone supporting teeth has been destroyed as a result of gum recession, a procedure to regenerate lost bone and tissue may be recommended. Dr. Eslami may recommend a flap procedure and guided tissue regeneration material using a membrane, tissue graft, or tissue-stimulating protein to encourage your body to naturally regenerate bone and tissue in that area. After the regenerative material is put in place, the gum tissue is secured over the root of the tooth or teeth.
  
  

How Can I Prevent Gum Recession?
The best way to prevent gum recession is to take good care of your mouth. Brush and floss your teeth every day and see your periodontist at least twice a year, or as recommended  by your dentist. If you have gum recession, Dr. Eslami may may recommend more frequent follow ups. If a misaligned bite or teeth grinding is the cause of gum recession, Dr. Eslami may recommend orthodontics to correct the problem. Other ways to prevent gum recession include:

• Avoid smoking.
• Eat a well balanced and healthy diet.
• Monitor changes that may occur in your mouth.

Give us a call! Our Board Certified Periodontist Dr. Jinous Eslami is available to address your questions and concerns about gum recession, the treatment options available.