Soft Tissue Grafting
Soft Tissue Grafting around dental implants
Soft tissue grafting, or gum grafting, is a procedure used to treat gum recession around natural teeth or implants.
Gum recession is a condition in which the tissue around the teeth and gum line wears away, exposing the roots of the teeth. This can happen for various reasons, and if left untreated, gum recession can lead to many dental problems, including tooth loss.
A soft tissue graft is a procedure in which healthy gum tissue is taken from a different area of the mouth and grafted onto the area of the mouth where the gum tissue has receded. This helps cover exposed roots and prevent further gum recession and tooth loss. This procedue is also done around dental implants in order to provide stronger, thicker gum tissue around dental implants. This helps to increase the longevity of implants.
At Virginia Oral Surgery Specialists, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the best possible care and a healthy smile. Our team of highly skilled and experienced oral surgeons will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Why Gum Grafting?
There are many reasons why you could require soft tissue grafting. Gum recession is often the result of gum disease or periodontal disease, or infection of the gum tissue. Periodontal disease can be caused by numerous things, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, and genetics.
If you have gum recession, it’s important to treat it as soon as possible to prevent further damage or tooth sensitivity. Gum grafting can help stop the progression of gum recession and protect your oral health.
If you have gum recession, your teeth may look longer than they actually are. Gum grafting can help restore the natural contour of your gum line and give you a more aesthetic smile.
Types of Soft Tissue Grafts
There are three common types of gum tissue grafts: connective tissue grafts, free gingival grafts, and allografts.
A connective tissue graft is the most used type of soft tissue graft. This type of gum graft treats moderate to severe gum recession and has the best root coverage and color-matching results.
A free gingival graft is a soft tissue graft used to treat mild gum recession or increase the gingival thickness. These gum grafts are typically used when there is no exposed tooth root.
An allograft is a gum tissue graft that uses donor tissue to treat gum recession. Allografts are used when there is not enough healthy tissue available for connective tissue graft or free gingival graft.
The Procedure - Stop Gum Recession with Gum Grafting
The donor site is prepared
This involves making incisions in the mouth to remove a small strip of gum tissue. The tissue is then removed from the mouth, and the incisions are closed with sutures.
The gum graft site is prepared
Incisions are made in the gums around the teeth where the tissue has receded. The graft tissue is then placed in these incisions and sutured into place. In some cases, a membrane may be placed over the graft site to protect it during healing.
Platelet Rich Fibrin
Healing is an individualized process, yet there are safe, natural procedures that can be used to accelerate hard and soft tissue rejuvenation.
At VOSS, we value the best in technology and place patient safety first. With cutting-edge technology like platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), The patient’s blood platelets are used as a therapeutic tool for tissue repair during the wound healing process. PRF is just one of the safe and modern techniques used to speed up recovery, healing, and tissue regeneration for our patients.
Soft Tissue Grafting in Vienna, VA
If you’re suffering from gum recession or gum recession around dental implants and are considering soft tissue grafting, the Virginia Oral Surgery Specialists team can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions and help you decide if a gum graft is the right treatment option for you!
