Gum Recession

A gum graft (also known as a gingival graft or periodontal plastic surgery), is a collective name for many different surgical periodontal procedures that aim to cover an exposed tooth root surface with grafted oral tissue.

Exposed tooth roots are usually the result of gingival recession due to periodontal disease. There are other common causes, including overly aggressive brushing and trauma.

FREE GINGIVAL GRAFT PROCEDURE

Subepithelial connective tissue graft

In 2015 the American Academy of Periodontology Regeneration Workshop concluded that this procedure (SCTG) is considered the “gold standard” for treating gum recession due to it’s long lasting and well documented success rate (more than 30 years). Tissue is removed fairly painlessly from the inner layer of the palate and relocated to the site of gum recession. The advantages are that the tissue becomes thicker, matches the adjacent tissue in texture and color and has initial healing in one week. (See examples below)

Acellular dermal matrix allograft

This procedure uses medically processed, donated human tissue as a tissue source for the graft. The advantage of this is procedure is that there is no need for a donor site from the patient’s palate (and thus, less pain).

Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique

This procedure is performed by making small holes with a needle in the gum tissue. Using specially designed instruments, the gum tissue is loosened and guided over the receded part of the tooth. No palatal donor tissue is necessary.