Gum Grafting Alternatives
Beyond having straight, white teeth, a beautiful smile also requires healthy gums. When gums recede—which can occur due to gum disease, genetic factors, aggressive brushing, or certain medications—your smile may begin to appear overly toothy, as more of the teeth are exposed and less gum tissue is visible. This imbalance can affect the overall aesthetics of your smile and create other oral health issues that can impact your overall oral health. If you are experiencing gum recession, you may be a good candidate for a gum graft procedure.
The gum graft procedure is one of the most common methods for correcting receding gums. There are a few different methods for performing these grafts, such as a free gingival graft. In this procedure, a small piece of tissue is harvested from the roof of the mouth and then attached to the affected gum area. A connective tissue graft follows a similar approach, but involves taking tissue from beneath the top layer of gum tissue, accessed through a flap that is later stitched closed. Connective tissue grafts are the most commonly performed type of gum graft. Alternatively, in a pedicle graft, a section of gum tissue is partially cut away and repositioned over the exposed root.
While these grafting procedures are effective in addressing gum recession, there are also alternative treatments to consider, as outlined below.
Platelet Rich Fibrin for Regeneration
This innovative approach starts with drawing a small sample of the patient’s blood, which is then placed in a centrifuge. This process separates red blood cells from white blood cells and platelets. The resulting platelets and white blood cells are then used to create a membrane that is inserted near the damaged or recessed area, promoting faster healing, enhancing recovery times, and reducing the risk of infection.
Scaling and Root Planing
If gum recession is linked to periodontal disease and caught in its early stages, a scaling and root planing procedure may effectively halt its progression. This procedure functions similarly to a deep cleaning, removing plaque from the teeth and beneath the gumline using specialized instruments. Once the plaque is removed, the roots are smoothed or planed, allowing the gums to begin healing. Regular periodontal maintenance may be necessary to prevent further recession, but for patients seeking a less invasive solution for recessed gums, this could be a viable option.
Pinhole Surgical Technique
The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) offers a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment for gum recession that can yield results similar to those of a traditional gum graft, while minimizing discomfort and shortening recovery time. Instead of surgically removing and suturing graft tissue, PST involves making a tiny pinhole in the gum tissue using a small needle. Special instruments are then used to gently loosen the gum tissue and reposition it to its proper place. Once aligned, collagen strips are used to stabilize the gums and promote healing.
These alternative treatments present options for patients dealing with gum recession, each tailored to different needs and circumstances.
If you would like to learn more, speak with your dentist.