Soft Tissue Grafting

Soft tissue grafting emerges as a crucial solution in combating gum recession, a common ailment triggered by various factors such as periodontal disease, trauma, aging, aggressive brushing, or tooth misalignment. When left unaddressed, gum recession can expose tooth roots, leading to discomfort, heightened susceptibility to decay, and a compromised smile aesthetics.

The primary objective of soft tissue grafting is twofold: either to cover the exposed root or to augment existing gum tissue thickness, thereby arresting further tissue loss. This procedure offers three common types of grafts:

• Free Gingival Graft: Involves harvesting a tissue strip from the roof of the mouth and suturing it to the recipient site to foster natural growth, commonly utilized for tissue thickening.
• Connective Tissue Graft: Utilizes subepithelial tissue to address larger areas or root exposure, extracted from a small mouth flap and sutured to the grafting site, predominantly employed for root exposure treatment.
• Pedicle Graft: Involves sharing soft tissue between the affected site and adjacent gum by partially cutting away a tissue flap and moving it sideways to cover the root, delivering excellent outcomes due to the preserved blood vessels.

Soft tissue grafting offers a myriad of benefits:

• Enhanced Comfort: Alleviates pain and discomfort associated with root exposure, enabling ease in consuming hot, cold, or warm foods.
• Improved Aesthetics: Restores balance to the smile by addressing gum recession, thereby rectifying toothy smiles or uneven teeth appearance.
• Enhanced Gum Health: Halts the rapid soft tissue and bone loss caused by periodontal disease, safeguarding exposed roots from further complications when combined with deep cleaning procedures.

The treatment process involves initial deep cleaning to clear calculus and tartar, followed by the grafting procedure, usually performed under local anesthesia. The donor tissue is strategically placed and secured, often supplemented with platelet-rich growth factors to stimulate natural tissue growth and promote healing. Substantial healing occurs within the first six weeks post-procedure, ensuring gum uniformity and overall oral health improvement.

For any inquiries about soft tissue grafting or to schedule a consultation, feel free to reach out to us.