Gum grafts are one of the best ways to treat problems associated with receding gums. There are several different types of gum grafts, but they all have the same goal. They cover the exposed teeth and roots that occur as the gums recede.
Gum grafts use tissue from some source and stitch it to the gums. Some may wonder where they get the tissue from. It depends on the type of graft.
Types Of Gum Graft
There are four types of graft commonly used. The techniques all work to add more tissue to the gums where they recede. The difference in the four types is where they get the tissue from.
- Connective tissue graft – This type of graft is the most common graft dental professionals use. To get the graft, a flap is cut in the roof of the mouth also called the palate. Soft epithelial tissue is under that part of the mouth. The oral surgeon removes this type of tissue from underneath the flap to use for the graft. The surgeon closes the flap with stitches after putting the graft into place.
- Free Gingival Graft – This graft also uses tissue from the palate. Instead of cutting a flap, the tissue comes directly from the roof of the mouth. There is no need to stitch the flap closed with this type of graft.
- Pedicle Graft –This uses a flap cut at the spot near where the graft is going to go. One edge of the flap is left intact. The gum gets pulled either over or down over the exposed root and gets stitched in place.
- Allograft – This type of graft uses donated tissue from someone other than the person getting the graft. The tissue gets stitched in place to cover the spots where it is needed.
Our dental professionals can help you understand the different types of gum grafts and can help determine which will work best. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and to talk to our dental professionals about any oral health issue.