What is a Free Gingival Graft Procedure?
Gingival recession is a lowering of the gums, which results in the exposure of the tooth necks and the tooth root. The tooth is optically longer, but it is not the aesthetic problem that is most important in such a situation, but the progressive atrophy of the gums, enamel defects, abrasion, and loosening of the teeth and their much greater susceptibility to caries. Gum recession is a condition that, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems, including hypersensitivity, tooth loss, and bone loss. Additionally, the condition is accompanied by pain, often sudden and piercing, especially when eating hot or cold meals. One of the methods of treating this type of condition is gum transplantation, also called soft tissue reconstruction. Fortunately, medicine is not powerless in this case and there are two ways to treat recession: CTG and FGG. What is the difference between these procedures? We will answer these and other questions in this article.
What does soft tissue reconstruction look like?
Soft tissue reconstruction is nothing more than surgically covering the exposed neck of the tooth and root. To perform such a procedure, we first take a soft tissue graft from another place in the oral cavity or a fragment of the palate. Then we implant it in the place of advanced recession. Each soft tissue reconstruction procedure is preceded by a medical interview and examination of the condition of the gums. On this basis, the dentist presents you with a treatment plan, explaining what the procedure will look like.
What does a Free Gingival Graft entail?
A free gingival graft is a type of procedure that is used when there is no keratinized epithelium zone around the tooth affected by recession. The keratinized epithelium zone in a tooth is the band of tissue that surrounds the teeth where they meet the gums. This tissue is also known as keratinized mucosa or gingiva. The free gingival graft is when a soft tissue graft that is taken from the palate and sewn into the recipient site around the receded gums in the form of a “patch”, widening the keratinized gum zone, which is irreplaceable in the process of creating proper attachment of the gum to the tooth. It also ensures the resistance of periodontal tissues to trauma and issues during everyday activities, such as biting and chewing food or brushing teeth.
Covering the recession of the gum with a graft from your own tissue is performed in the most sterile conditions. Despite the rather complicated procedure, patients should not be afraid of pain, because it is performed using effective local anesthesia, so the entire process of soft tissue reconstruction is painless.
When is a gum graft used?
Soft tissue reconstruction is one of the more radical methods of treating gingival recession, which is why we usually use it in the case of a very advanced phase of this condition. A gum graft may be necessary when a large fragment of gum has been lost. In a situation where the recession is also very extensive, it may be necessary to perform several surgical stages.
In Conclusion
If you notice your teeth letting longer, it means that your gums are likely receding. This should be treated and can be treated with a free gingival graft as an option. Make an appointment today to discuss your options for enhancing the health and aesthetics of your smile!