Connective Tissue Graft

Please refer to the “Receding Gums” section for a description of the causes of gingival recession. Our gingiva serves as a natural defence system that protects against both trauma as well as bacterial invasion. Cases of minor gingival recession do not require any treatment, as the remaining healthy gingiva may be enough to help protect the tooth. The adoption of atraumatic brushing and flossing techniques (see “General Gum Care”) will help prevent the recession from progressing in the future.

When the recession is advanced, however, the remaining gingival tissue will no longer serve as a healthy defense system against bacterial invasion as well as trauma. Roots may become sensitive to hot and cold foods. The exposed root surface may not only have an unsightly appearance, but it also has a higher chance of experiencing dental decay than enamel, as it is softer. Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu may offer soft tissue grafting in order to reconstruct this missing tissue, and to help protect your teeth. There are two types of graft procedures:

Root coverage – connective tissue graft

Gingival augmentation – free gingival graft 

The root coverage graft, or a connective tissue graft, is indicated when there are esthetic or cosmetic demands, and when exposed root surfaces cause sensitivity. A root coverage graft will increase the thickness of the band of protective keratinized gingival tissue, which is the non-moving gum that sits next to the tooth. In many cases, it will also help to completely reverse the recession.

The root coverage graft involves taking a thin piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth, and is inserting it into a pouch that is created at the recipient tooth (Figures 1-3). The procedure takes approximately one hour. It may be done with local anaesthetic alone, or in combination with sedation (see “Sedation”). Most patients are back at work two days after having had a root coverage graft. The majority of healing takes place during the first two weeks, and patients may then resume most of their normal eating and oral hygiene practices (see “Post-Operative Instructions”). You will be seen for 1-week, 2-week and 4-week post-operative checks.

The root coverage graft is a highly effective and esthetic treatment that helps to eliminate the recession. The graft will also prevent the recession from reoccurring in the future, as long as patients thereafter commit to an atraumatic brushing and flossing technique (Figures 4-7).