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GUM RECESSION: GINGIVAL GRAFTS

What is gum recession?

Receding gums are a very common dental problem. Gum recession is a condition where the gum line pulls away or becomes unattached from the tooth exposing the tooth root. Often, gum recession is referred to as being "long in the tooth." This process unfortunately is accompanied with bone loss and can contribute to tooth loss.

Fortunately, there are solutions for gum recession right here in Portland, Oregon. At Oregon Periodontics we have perfected the gum graft through a microsurgical approach, and are the only office in Portland to use this advanced method.

O.
P.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I 
HAVE GUM RECESSION?

Patients with gum recession often experience:

  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Tenderness to tooth brushing
  • Root decay
  • Teeth appear longer than normal
  • Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing


Gum recession is caused by many factors that include:

  • Overzealous tooth brushing
  • Crooked teeth
  • Prominent lip attachments (frenum).
  • Hereditary, born with thin and fragile, as opposed to thick and resilient gum tissue.
GINGIVAL GRAFTS

Microsurgery is an ideal solution when treating gum recession because the use of the microscope provides both precision as well as an esthetically pleasing outcome. It differs from a skin graft in that a traditional skin graft leaves an open wound in the roof of the mouth (palate), often painful, and does not cover the exposed root. The color match on a skin graft is often less than ideal. Whereas a microsurgical graft transplants a thin piece of connective tissue gently removed from under the palatal skin. The skin is closed and heals with minimal discomfort. The graft is precisely placed under the gum and over the exposed roots. The microsurgical graft is inherently esthetic by design and accomplishes predictable root coverage and periodontal health.
 

THE
MICROSURGICAL
GUM GRAFT

Before the Gingival Graft


Receding gums happen when the gum line gets too close to the roots of the teeth. Receding gums are generally an indication of gum disease and should be treated before symptoms worsen.

After the Gingival Graft


The microsurgical regeneration of the gum tissue ensures the tooth root is now covered. The healed gum area provides an aesthetically pleasing result, protecting the tooth from decay and promoting a healthier smile.

Case #3

Microsurgical Gum Grafts

Pre-treatment and post-treatment cases of microsurgical regeneration of gum tissue to cover exposed root surfaces.

Before

After