Gum Graft

A gum graft (also known as a gingival graft or periodontal plastic surgery), is a collective name for surgical periodontal procedures that aim to cover an exposed tooth root surface with grafted oral tissue. Exposed tooth roots are usually the result of gingival recession due to periodontal disease.  

 

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There are other common causes, including overly aggressive brushing and trauma.

 

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COMMON TYPES OF GUM GRAFTING:

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• Free gingival graft – This procedure is often used to thicken gum tissue.  A layer of tissue is removed from the palate and relocated to the area affected by gum recession.  Both sites will quickly heal without permanent damage.
  
   

• Subepithelial connective tissue graft – This procedure is commonly used to cover exposed roots.  Tissue is removed from the outer layer of the palate and relocated to the site of gum recession.
  
   

• Acellular dermal matrix allograft – This procedure uses medically processed, donated human tissue as a tissue source for the graft.  The advantage of this is procedure is that there is no need for a donor site from the patient’s palate (and thus, less pain).