Soft tissue grafting is a periodontal disease treatment procedure that addresses gum recession. Gum recession occurs when the gum that covers a tooth pulls away, exposing too much of the tooth surface. This usually happens as a result of periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease, and can be treated with a soft tissue grafting procedure.
A soft tissue graft is a surgery that can be completed in just one dental office visit. During the procedure a piece of tissue is moved from one part of your mouth to another. Your dentist will usually remove a piece of tissue from another area of your gums, or from your palate (the roof of your mouth). This tissue is then grafted, or attached, to the tooth area that needs it.
There are three types of soft tissue grafts that may be performed by your dental team: connective tissue grafts, free gingival grafts, and pedicle grafts. Your Dentist of Bixby Knolls team will conduct a thorough examination and consultation to determine the best graft type for you.
This is the most common soft tissue graft type. During this procedure your dentist will cut a small flap in the tissue on the roof of your mouth. Your dentist will remove tissue from under the flap, then close it again. The removed soft tissue is then attached to the affected gum area to correct the recession problem.
This type of soft tissue graft also uses tissue from the roof of the mouth, though this procedure uses the tissue directly accessible, not the underlying tissue. This procedure works in the same way as a connective tissue graft but is usually used when a thicker tissue is needed to make a repair.
A pedicle graft uses gum tissue from gums near the affected tooth. A flap of gum is cut and pulled over the affected tooth area, then stitched into place. This procedure can only be used when a patient has enough gum tissue located near the affected tooth.
After your soft tissue graft procedure your dental team will provide you with care instructions. Recovery typically only takes 1-2 days and is relatively simple. To allow your soft tissue graft to properly heal it is important to eat soft foods for the first couple of weeks. You will receive specific instructions for taking care of your new tissue graft, including avoiding brushing and flossing at the surgical site. You will also need to visit your dentist for follow-up appointments to ensure your soft tissue graft heals properly.
While there is some pain associated with soft tissue grafting, it does vary by the type of grafting procedure. No matter which procedure you have performed, your dental team will ensure you receive the proper sedation to best manage your pain and comfort.
Do you think you may be a candidate for soft tissue grafting? Find out if soft tissue grafting is right for you by calling our office today at (562) 287-5175 for a consultation.
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