Tissue Grafting
Gilbert, AZ
 When you think about your oral health, you most likely think about brushing and flossing your teeth. Moreover, while your teeth are an extremely important feature of your mouth, being responsible for things such as chewing and aiding in speech, they are not the only thing that you need to worry about. Your gums are also a critical part of your oral health. They seal out bacteria, protecting the roots of your teeth from harmful bacteria. However, when your gums recede, the health of your mouth is put in jeopardy. At San Tan Oral Surgery, we can restore your gum line, and protect your oral health, with tissue grafting.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of gum recession. When bacteria attack your gums, the tissue becomes inflamed. As a result, your gums begin to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets. Bacteria then fall into these pockets and cause further damage. As the tissue becomes more inflamed, it continues to pull further away, dying off.
Other causes of gum recession include:
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Brushing too hard.
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Grinding and clenching.
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Age.
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Genetics. |
What is Tissue Grafting?
Tissue grafting is a surgical procedure meant to restore your lost gum tissue. This is accomplished by taking soft tissue from elsewhere in your mouth, often the roof of your mouth, and suturing it in place over the areas of recession. As the graft heals, your existing tissue and the new tissue grow together and reform around the base of your teeth, creating a new seal to protect them.
Before we begin the procedure, we first clean your teeth with a treatment known as scaling and root planing. When ready to begin the graft, we administer a local anesthetic, at both the donor site (if we are using your tissue) and the gums. We then harvest the donor tissue and suture it in place over the affected teeth. When finished, we provide you with aftercare instructions, which include what to expect and how to deal with common post surgical issues. With proper rest and care, you should be almost completely healed in six to eight weeks.
Graft Types
There are three common types of tissue grafts:
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Connective tissue graft. With this type of graft, a small incision is made on the roof of your mouth, and the tissue underneath is removed. After the graft is complete, the incision at the roof of your mouth is sutured closed as well.
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Free gingival graft. This graft is similar to a connective tissue graft. The tissue used for the graft is taken from the roof of your mouth. However, rather than creating a flap and taking the tissue underneath, it is taken directly from the roof of your mouth.
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Pedicle graft. Instead of taking tissue from the roof of your mouth, we use your existing gum tissue. We make strategic incisions and reorganize your gums to create a healthy gum line before suturing them
back into place. |
Benefits of Tissue Grafting
There are several benefits to a tissue graft:
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The effects of gum disease are reversed.
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Your oral health is improved. With a tight seal around your teeth restored, your gums can once again protect your teeth from bacterial invasion.
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Tooth sensitivity issues, which result from the roots of your teeth becoming exposed, are resolved.
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You regain confidence. With a beautiful gum line restored, your smile will be improved. |
If your gums have receded, a tissue graft may be the answer. Call San Tan Oral Surgery today at (480) 604-2592 to schedule your consultation.
FAQs
What is tissue grafting?
Tissue grafting is a procedure used to restore or strengthen areas of the gums where tissue has receded or become too thin. At San Tan Oral Surgery, our dental team may recommend tissue grafting to help protect tooth roots, improve gum support, and create a healthier foundation for your smile.
Why might I need a gum tissue graft?
A gum tissue graft may be recommended if you have gum recession, exposed tooth roots, sensitivity, or areas where the gums are too thin to properly support the teeth. Our dentists will evaluate your gums and overall oral health to determine whether grafting can help protect the affected area.
Can tissue grafting help with tooth sensitivity?
Yes. When tooth roots are exposed because of gum recession, they may become sensitive to temperature, brushing, or certain foods. Tissue grafting can cover or support exposed root surfaces, which may help reduce sensitivity and protect the teeth from further damage.
What happens during a tissue grafting procedure?
During tissue grafting, our dental team carefully places healthy gum tissue or grafting material in the area that needs additional support. The graft is positioned to improve coverage, thickness, or stability of the gums, and detailed aftercare instructions are provided to support proper healing.
How do I care for my mouth after tissue grafting?
After tissue grafting, it is important to follow the instructions provided by San Tan Oral Surgery, which may include avoiding certain foods, brushing carefully around the treated area, and attending follow-up visits. Good oral hygiene and regular dental care can help protect your gums as they heal. |
