Gum Recession

Gum recession often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance to the gum and tooth. Gum recession, when significant, can predispose to worsening loss of support and further expose the root surface, which is softer than enamel, leading to root caries and root erosion.

Soft tissue reconstruction is designed to solve these problems. Utilizing a Minimally Invasive Surgery, a thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth, or gently moved over from adjacent areas, to provide a stable band of firm tissue around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root.

The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth.

This case was originally published by Dr. Cabrera in the Journal of the American Dental Association. June 1995: