Gum Grafting

Gum Grafting Services at Rasmussen Periodontics

A gum graft will protect your teeth if you have gum recession.

A gingival graft (also known as a gum graft), is a collective name for surgical periodontal procedures that aims to strengthen areas of thin gum tissues and/or cover an exposed tooth root surfaces with grafted tissues. Exposed tooth roots can be the result of gingival recession due to tooth malposition, bite overload, or periodontal disease. There are other causes, including overly aggressive brushing and trauma.

Free Gingival Graft

This procedure is often used to thicken gum tissue. A layer of tissue is removed from the palate and relocated to the area affected by gum recession. Both sites will quickly heal without permanent damage. This is an ideal solution when the goal of the procedure is to thicken the tissue to provide additional protection for the underlying bone supporting the roots. This procedure is not predictable for covering roots that have been exposed due to gingival recession.

What to Expect During a Gum Grafting Procedure

The gum grafting procedure is performed under local anesthetic. Depending on your level of anxiety, you may wish to consider sedation while the procedure is being performed. The specifics of the exact procedure will depend on which procedure your doctor is performing.

Generally, small incisions will be made at the recipient site to create a small pouch or tunnel to accommodate the graft. The graft is obtained and positioned into the pouch or tunnel and sutures are placed to stabilize the graft and to prevent any shifting from the designated site. Surgical adhesives may be used to protect the surgical area during the first week of healing. Uniformity and healing of the gums will be achieved in approximately six weeks.

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In Gum Grafting

Dr. Rasmussen performs more AlloDerm gum grafts than any periodontist in America.

Reasons for Gum Grafting

Reduced Sensitivity

When the tooth root becomes exposed, eating or drinking hot or cold foods can cause extreme sensitivity to the teeth. Gum grafting surgery can permanently cover the exposed root, helping reduce discomfort, and restoring the good health of the gums.

Improved Appearance

Gingival recession and root exposure can make the teeth look longer than normal and the smile to appear “toothy.” Gingival grafting can make the teeth look shorter, more symmetrical and generally more pleasing to look at. In addition, adjacent tissue can be enhanced and augmented during the procedure for esthetic purposes.

Improved Gum Health

Periodontal disease can progress and destroy gum tissue very rapidly. If left untreated, a large amount of gum tissue can be lost in a short period of time. Gingival grafting can help halt tissue and bone loss; preventing further problems and protecting exposed roots from further decay.

Types of Gum Grafts

Free Gingival Grafting

This procedure is often used to thicken gum tissue. A layer of tissue is removed from the palate and relocated to the area affected by gum recession. Both sites will quickly heal without permanent damage. This is an ideal solution when the goal of the procedure is to thicken the tissue to provide additional protection for the underlying bone supporting the roots. This procedure is not predictable for covering roots that have been exposed due to gingival recession.

Connective Tissue Grafting for Root Coverage

Connective tissue grafting for root coverage is the most common procedure for Dr. Rasmussen for thickening and strengthening surrounding gum tissue. In this procedure, the teeth are cleaned, a small pouch is created to receive the graft, then the donor tissue is obtained using careful surgical technique. This is a relatively painless procedure.

Pinhole Surgical Technique

The pinhole surgical technique is a minimally invasive alternative to treating gum recession. In this technique, a small pinhole is created in the gum tissue that is receding. After the hole is created, a device is placed into the hole to stretch the gum to a more suitable place on the tooth as the gums are pulled downward. Once the gum tissue is in the desired position, a dentist inserts collagen strips into the pinhole in the gums to secure their position.

Patient Feedback

“Dr. Rick and his staff were amazing! The procedure went really well, and I would highly recommend him and his team to anyone. They went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable throughout the entire process.”

Bryan Kazimierowski

“(Dr. Rick) was awesome at answering any questions I had. The surgery went great and the recovery process was actually really easy for me. I had no problems with anything and my mouth healed up perfectly!”

Kaitlyn Fritts

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