Soft Tissue Graft

Soft tissue grafts are used to stop gum recession and/or to improve the esthetics of your gum line. They can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue which is absent due to excessive gingival recession.

You may wish to enhance your smile by covering one or more of the roots that make your teeth appear too long or cover exposed roots that are sensitive to cold foods or liquids.

Exposed roots are the result of gum recession. Your gums may have receded for a variety of reasons. These include chronic inflammation from plaque along the gum line, aggressive tooth brushing and even grinding your teeth can contribute to this condition. Prior to treatment the periodontist will identify the factors contributing to the recession. Once these contributing factors are controlled, a soft tissue graft procedure will repair the defect and help prevent additional recession.

During this procedure gum tissue is taken from your palate (roof of your mouth). Refinements in technique allow the periodontist to remove this tissue with significantly less post-operative discomfort than was experienced in previous years with other techniques. Sometimes tissue is obtained from a “tissue bank. This tissue is treated to eliminate the risk of disease transmission or graft rejection. This tissue is secured over the exposed root and underneath the gum tissue in the area of the recession by placing the graft within a “Pita Pocket-like flap. By then repositioning the gum tissue (“Pita Pocket) over the exposed root and grafted tissue, the graft is further nourished and the root may be covered.

Soft Tissue Graft Pre-Treatment

Soft Tissue Graft Tooth #9 Pre-Treatment

CTG #25 Pre-Treatment

Soft Tissue Graft Post-Treatment

Post Treatment 7weeks

CTG #25 Post-Treatment