Tissue Reconstruction

Advances in plastic and reconstructive surgery allow us to rebuild tissue in areas of gum recession.  There are typically three predisposing factors to gingival (gum) recession. They are infection, thin tissue and thin bone. Infection (see section on Periodontal Disease) will destroy the tissue and the bone. Very thin tissue and bone is often seen in some orthodontic patients and provides very little protection to the roots. It is important to reconstruct the lost tissues in order to prevent further recession and where possible to cover the exposed roots. In some situations such are advanced orthodontics or tooth restorations that will involve the gum tissues we may want to reconstruct the tissues before there is recession in order to prevent loss of tissue and bone. Keep in mind that an exposed root used to have a cover of tissue and bone.