Gum Grafting

Receeding gums is a problem that occurs in patient young and older. There are a couple of contributing factors that causes gum recession:

1. Toothbrush abrasion- the use of a Medium or coarse bristles with rigorous brushing motion can cause gum recession and tooth abrasion as well
2. Post orthodontic treatment- some patients can get this after braces 
3. Abnormal bite- abnormal forces can cause tooth abfraction and gum recession
4. Smoking- patients that smoke have a higher risk of gum recession

The treatment includes:

1. Connective tissue grafting- taking the underlayer of tissue from the roof of the mouth, leaving the top epithelial layer on- this option has the best esthetic result
2. Free Gingival graft- taking both the epithelial layer and connective tissue layer- this is indicated when there is NO keratinized tissue remaining
3. Soft tissue allograft- Donated tissue from a cadaver- this prevents a secondary surgical site but can be more costly financially
4. Use of Emdogain- porcine enamel- helps healing and root coverage- an additional cost, but has superior results

 This is a mirror image of the sites that required soft tissue grafting

This is the healing after a connective tissue graft done on the 3 teeth at the same time