Gingival Grafting

Many people suffer from receding gums and root exposure. Root exposure can lead to abrasion and wear on the root surfaces, which can compromise the structural integrity of your tooth. Roots that are exposed are prone to develop tooth decay further compromising the integrity of your tooth.

Gingival recession is typically a progressive problem that we monitor very closely at Dahm Dental. At each recall examination we record the exact millimeters of gingival recession for each tooth, and help you decide if grafting is appropriate. Dental research has shown that teeth with 1 millimeter recession have a 70% likelihood of progressing and teeth with 2 millimeters of gingival recession have a 92% chance of progressing. In general we recommend gingival grafting in recession sites of 3 millimeters or more, if the area can be reliably grafted and if the recession is steadily progressing.

Gingival grafting involves the use of gum tissue from another area of your mouth, such as the roof of the mouth or wisdom tooth area or the use of donor tissue from a tissue bank. We use Alloderm donor tissue for the majority of our gingival grafts.

The advantage of using your own tissue is that there is no problem with rejection, and healing occurs quickly. The disadvantage of using your own tissue is that the donor sight requires a period of healing and is also the area of greatest discomfort.  Dr. Dahm is most likely to use your own tissue for single tooth repairs.

The use of Alloderm is beneficial as a second surgical site for donor tissue is not required, thus multiple teeth can be grafted in one visit, meaning less surgical visits and no donor sites that must heal after each surgery. Minimal discomfort occurs following Alloderm grafting, however rejection of the graft is a slight possibility which can easily be managed with a variety of medications and treatments.

Many patients ask, "Why are my gums receding?" Dental research has shown us several factors that increase your risk for gingival recession to occur:

1. Improper tooth brushing can lead to gingival recession. Using a hard or medium bristled tooth brush is not recommended, and using "the death grip" on you brush and "the saw technique" worsens gingival recession. We recommend only the Sonicare toothbrush for our recession patients. (Link this to the products section)

2. Improper bite forces have been shown to damage the gum tissues and accelerate bone loss around teeth. Teeth are designed to handle primarily vertical forces but shear forces are not well tolerated by teeth, gums and bone. If you have an occlusal (bite) problem, correction can result in some decrease in gingival recession over time and lessen the tendency for further progression.

3. People come in different shapes and sizes. Some are thin, some are stout, some are tall and some are short. Gum tissue and jaw bones are no different. If you have thin gum tissue, it is more likely to recede. If you have thick firm gum tissue, it is not likely to recede. If you are experiencing gum recession, gingival grafting may be for you. It is a predictable procedure that can help maintain your teeth for the rest of your life.

CLICK HERE to watch a Caesy video on Gingival Grafting.