Soft Tissue Grafting

What Is Soft Tissue Grafting?

Soft tissue grafting is a procedure performed to treat gum recession. The goal of this treatment is to cover the exposed tooth roots, protecting them from decay and sensitivity, while improving the aesthetics of your smile. We can use a variety of techniques to achieve this goal, and Dr. Herrington will recommend the best option for your needs.

Why Is It Necessary?

When the gums recede, they expose the roots of the teeth. This can cause a range of problems, including:

• Increased sensitivity to hot and cold
• An increased risk of root decay
• An unattractive smile
• Eventual tooth loss

Soft tissue grafting can prevent these issues by covering the exposed roots and restoring a healthy gum line.

When performed by a board-certified periodontist like Dr. Herrington, soft tissue grafting is a safe and effective way to restore your oral health and the beauty of your smile.

Types of Grafts

There are several types of soft tissue grafts available, and the best option for you will depend on your individual needs. The most common types include:

• Connective tissue grafts: This is the most common type of graft used to treat root exposure. During this procedure, a small flap of skin is cut at the roof of your mouth (palate) and tissue from under the flap, known as subepithelial connective tissue, is removed and then stitched to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root.
• Free gingival grafts: Similar to a connective-tissue graft, free gingival grafts involve the a small amount of tissue is removed directly from the roof of the mouth and then attached to the gum area being treated. This method is used most often in people who have thin gums to begin with and need additional tissue to enlarge the gums.
• Pedicle grafts: In this procedure, instead of taking tissue from the palate, it is grafted from gum around or near the tooth needing repair. The flap, called a pedicle, is only partially cut away so that one edge remains attached. The gum is then pulled over or down to cover the exposed root and sewn into place. This procedure can only be done in people who have plenty of gum tissue near the tooth.
• Allografts: An allograft is a type of graft that uses donated tissue from a tissue bank. This option is often recommended for patients who do not have enough healthy tissue of their own to use for the graft, or for those who would prefer not to have tissue taken from their own palate.

Dr. Herrington is a highly experienced periodontist who has been formally recognized for his outstanding skills. You can feel confident that he will recommend the safest and most effective treatment for you.

The Procedure

Before beginning, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. We also offer sedation options for patients who experience dental anxiety. Once you are comfortable, Dr. Herrington will create a small flap in the gums to expose the receded area. He will then take a small piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth, or use a donated tissue source, and carefully stitch it into place over the exposed tooth root. Finally, he will close the flap and suture it. The entire procedure typically takes about an hour to complete.