Periodontal procedures such as Gum grafts are available to treat receding gums, or to improve the esthetics of your gum line. Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession.

Perhaps you wish to enhance your smile by covering one or more of these roots that make your teeth appear too long. Or, maybe you’re not bothered by the appearance of these areas, but you cringe because the exposed roots are sensitive to hot or cold foods and liquids. Your gums may have receded for a variety of reasons, including aggressive tooth brushing or periodontal disease.

You may not be in control of what caused the recession, but prior to treatment Dr. Zidile can help you identify the factors contributing to the problem. Once these contributing factors are controlled, a soft tissue graft procedure will repair the defect and help to prevent additional recession and bone loss.

Soft tissue grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue where absent due to excessive gingival recession. During this procedure, tissue is transferred from your palate to cover the exposed root. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity.
A soft tissue graft can reduce further recession and bone loss. In some cases, it can cover exposed roots to protect them from decay. This may reduce tooth sensitivity and improve esthetics of your smile.

There are several types of Gum tissue grafts. Ask Dr. Zidile for more details about this type of procedure.

Before the procedure, the photograph demonstrates a decayed tooth with severe gum recession and root exposure. Two weeks following a connective tissue graft procedure, complete coverage of the root is achieved.

This 35 year old patient complains of significant tooth sensitivity. Despite the use of specialized toothpastes, sensitivity to cold still lingered. A soft tissue graft was completed and following a short healing period, the gingiva is now in a favorable position along the necks of the teeth, protecting the roots.