Gum Grafting

When gum recession happens, teeth lose their natural defense against cavities and are at risk for further recession and attachment loss.

In cases of minor gum recession, some healthy gum tissue often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, in cases of deep, scalloping recession, the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost.

In addition, gum recession may result in root sensitivity, as well as diminished esthetics, When significant, recession can predispose to further recession progression and expose the root surface, which is softer than enamel, leading to cavities on the root.

The Gum Grafting Procedure

Gum grafting is a procedure completed in order to reverse the tissue loss around the collars of your teeth. This will generate new tissue that is superior to your pre-existing gums in that area. Consequently, this gum tissue will be more resistant future recession and trauma.

Not all teeth with recession will need or benefit from grafting. Depending on your history and the architecture of the area of recession, we will evaluate the need for grafting.

Gum grafting may involve tissue from the roof of the mouth (because of the genetic superiority of this tissue), or donor tissue or collagen. Donor graft tissue may be used for certain cases, but with Dr. Walker’s technique in harvesting tissue from the roof of the mouth reduces discomfort.