CONNECTIVE TISSUE GRAFT

Reviving Your Smile with Connective Tissue Graft

Connective Tissue Graft Surgery, also known as a gum graft, is a vital dental procedure that can improve your oral health and enhance your smile. This procedure helps with gum recession, providing relief from discomfort and boosting your confidence.

Connective Tissue Graft Surgery, the most commonly utilized method for treating exposed tooth roots, involves a precise surgical process. In this procedure, a small piece of tissue is carefully excised from the roof of your mouth, commonly known as the palate.

Underneath this surgical flap lies the subepithelial connective tissue, which is skillfully extracted and subsequently affixed to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root. After obtaining the connective tissue graft from beneath the palatal flap, the flap is meticulously sutured back into its original position.

Connective Tissue Graft

The Connective Tissue Graft Procedure

Initial Consultation

Before the surgery, you'll have an initial consultation with our dentist. During this meeting, your dentist will evaluate the extent of the gum recession and discuss the available options with you.

Anesthesia

On the day of the surgery, local anesthesia will be administered to ensure you're comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.

Graft Harvesting

The next step involves harvesting a small piece of connective tissue from your palate or another donor site. This tissue will serve as the graft that will be used to cover the exposed areas of your gums.

Graft Placement

The harvested tissue is then delicately placed over the affected gum areas and secured in position using sutures. This process effectively covers the exposed tooth roots and improves the overall gum aesthetics.

Recovery and Aftercare

After the surgery, it's essential to follow your dentist's post-operative instructions. You might experience some mild discomfort and swelling, but this is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.

Why You Might Need Connective Tissue Graft Surgery

Gum Recession

One of the most common reasons for considering connective tissue graft surgery is gum recession. Receding gums can expose the sensitive tooth roots, leading to discomfort and an increased risk of tooth decay. This procedure can effectively cover the exposed areas and prevent further recession.

Aesthetic Concerns

Connective Tissue Graft Surgery is also popular among individuals looking to enhance the appearance of their smile. By correcting uneven gum lines and creating a harmonious, symmetrical look, this procedure can significantly boost your self-confidence.

Alternatives to Connective Tissue Graft

Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST)

PST is a minimally invasive method that involves making tiny, pinhole-sized incisions in the gums. Special instruments are used to reposition the existing gum tissue to cover the exposed tooth roots, eliminating the need for grafting.

Free Gingival Graft

This technique involves grafting a small piece of tissue directly from the roof of the mouth (palate) to the affected area, without using subepithelial connective tissue. It's a simpler approach but may have some limitations compared to the connective tissue graft.

These simpler alternatives provide effective solutions for addressing gum recession without the complexity of a full gum graft procedure. You can discuss these options with our dentists to determine which one is best for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Local anesthesia is used during the procedure to ensure you're comfortable and pain-free. Some mild discomfort and swelling may occur during the recovery period, which is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

  • The recovery period varies but typically lasts a few weeks. Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.

  • The results of connective tissue graft surgery are generally long-lasting. However, maintaining good oral hygiene practices is essential to ensure the longevity of the procedure's benefits.