Soft Tissue Grafting

 

Gum or gingival recession may be influenced by a number of different factors. Most commonly, thin tissue combined with trauma from aggressive toothbrushing results in a receding gum line. Once the gum line recedes, the root surface becomes exposed which increases risk for cavities and root sensitivity. Often times, brushing and oral hygiene are painful as the protective gum tissue recedes away.

 

The goal of soft tissue grafting is to increase root coverage and/or re-establish a healthy firm pink gum tissue around the teeth. Donor tissue can be obtained from your palate or roof of the mouth, which traditionally has been the gold standard for grafting procedures. At times, due to extensive generalized recession, inadequate amounts of donor tissue are obtained from the palate. In these instances, a different connective tissue is used that has been acquired from a donor tissue bank.