Soft Tissue Grafting

Soft tissue grafting is a valuable procedure used to address gum recession, which can be caused by various factors such as periodontal disease, trauma, aging, overbrushing, and poor tooth positioning. When the roots of the teeth become exposed due to gum recession, it can lead to discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods, increased risk of decay, and an altered aesthetic appearance of the smile. The primary objective of soft tissue grafting is to either cover the exposed root or thicken the existing gum tissue to prevent further tissue loss.

There are three common types of soft tissue grafts:

1. Free gingival graft: In this procedure, a strip of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and stitched to the grafting site, promoting natural growth. It is commonly used to thicken existing gum tissue.

2. Connective tissue graft: For larger areas or significant root exposure, subepithelial tissue is required to address the problem. The subepithelial connective tissue is obtained from a small flap in the mouth and sutured to the grafting site. This is the most frequent treatment for root exposure.

3. Pedicle graft: This type of graft involves utilizing soft tissue from the adjacent gum area. A flap of tissue is partially cut away and moved sideways to cover the exposed root. This grafting technique yields excellent results because the relocated tissue includes intact blood vessels.

Soft tissue grafting offers several benefits:

• Increased comfort: By covering the exposed root, soft tissue grafts alleviate pain and sensitivity, allowing for more comfortable consumption of hot, cold, and warm foods.
• Improved aesthetics: Gum recession can result in a “toothy” smile or uneven-looking teeth. Soft tissue grafting can be employed as a cosmetic procedure to augment the gums and create a more symmetrical smile.
• Enhanced gum health: Soft tissue grafting, when combined with deep cleaning procedures, can help halt tissue and bone loss caused by periodontal disease, safeguarding the exposed roots from further complications.

The soft tissue grafting process typically involves thorough deep cleaning above and below the gum line to remove calculus (tartar) from the teeth and roots. The grafting procedure itself is typically performed under local anesthesia, although the size of the grafting areas may influence the type of anesthesia used. A small incision is made at the recipient site to create a pocket, and a split-thickness incision is made within this pocket where the donor tissue is placed. The donor tissue strip is usually larger than the incision to accommodate any excess tissue. Platelet-rich growth factors may be applied to stimulate natural tissue growth and aid in healing. Additionally, tissue-stimulating proteins can be incorporated to promote faster tissue growth. The wound site is then sutured to secure the tissue in place, and surgical material is applied for protection. Gum uniformity and substantial healing occur within the initial six weeks following the procedure.

Soft tissue grafting is a valuable treatment option that promotes gum health, improves aesthetics, and enhances overall oral comfort. It can effectively address gum recession and restore the natural balance and appearance of the gums and smile.