Receding Gums

Gingival recession, also known as receding gums, is the exposure in the roots of the teeth caused by a loss of gum tissue and/or retraction of the gingival margin from the crown of the teeth..

receding gums

Depending on the type and severity of the recession and the levels of bone around the teeth, gum recession can be regenerated with new gum tissue using a variety of gum grafting most of the times performed by a periodontist.

These procedures involve using  free gingival graft or connective tissue from the roof of the mouth. Alternatively, a material called Acellular dermal matrix or soft tissue allograft  (processed donated human skin allograft) may be used instead of tissue from the patient’s own palate.

 

Connective Tissue Graft

This procedure is commonly used to cover exposed roots.  Tissue is removed fairly painlessly from the outer layer of the palate and relocated to the site of gum recession.

Connective tissue graft cases

Case 1

Recession on the upper left canine

Severe recession due to traumatic toothbrushing. Patient was feeling a lot of sensitity. Complete root coverage was achieved with a connectiuve tissue graft.

Case 2

Localized recession due to traumatic occlusion.

Upper central incisors looked short and to far down due to uneven gingival heights. Gum esthetic surgery was performed on the upper central incisors and veneers were placed on all upper incisors.

Case 3

Gum grafting on three teeth in one visit.

Gum grafting performed in one visit on three teeth. Partial root coverage was achieved.

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.

Case 1

Self-inflicted gingival recession.

Habits of placing an object on the gums such as the blunt end of a pen, pencil or fingernail, and rubbing the tooth can traumatize the gum and lead to receding gums. A free gingival graft was performed leaing to complete coverage of the recession.

Case 2

Recession due to lack of brushing.

Periodontal disease can cause recession. Plaque, bacteria, calculus can accumulate on the teeth, causing inflammation and and loss of gum tissue. A deep cleaning and a gum graft was performed.

Case 3

Gum grafting before braces.

Recession due to tooth malposition and thin gums can occur. A gum graft and orthodontic treatment will improve the prognosis and appearance of the teeth.

Soft Tissue 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).

The most long time used Brand in dentistry is alloderm. For more information pleases visit.

Case 1

Receding gums on front teeth.

Severe localized recession present on the upper front teeth which was Esthetically unpleasant, Patient was not willing to use a graft from her own palate. A soft tisse allograft, alloderm, was use to improve the esthetics and thicken her gums.

Case 2

Recession on the molar.

Lower molars are a quiet common area of recession after braces or due to severe brushing. Patient was complaining of sensitivity. Soft tissue allograft was used.

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