Soft Tissue Grafting in North Miami Beach, FL

Restore Your Smile’s Gum Line

Soft tissue grafting is often necessary to combat gum recession. Periodontal disease, trauma, aging, over brushing, and poor tooth positioning are the leading causes of gum recession which can lead to tooth-root exposure in severe cases.

When the roots of the teeth become exposed, eating hot and cold foods can be uncomfortable, decay is more prevalent and the aesthetic appearance of the smile is altered. The main goal of soft tissue grafting is to either cover the exposed root or to thicken the existing gum tissue in order to halt further tissue loss.

Types of Soft Tissue Grafts

The three different types of common soft tissue grafts include:

Free gingival graft – A strip of tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth and stitched to the grafting site in order to promote natural growth. This type of graft is most commonly used for thickening existing tissue.
Connective tissue graft – For larger areas or root exposure, subepithelial tissue is needed to remedy the problem. This subepithelial connective tissue is removed from a small flap in the mouth and sutured to the grafting site. This is the most common treatment for root exposure.
Pedicle graft – This type of graft involves the “sharing” of soft tissue between the affected site and adjacent gum. A flap of tissue is partially cut away and moved sideways to cover the root. The results of this type of graft are excellent because the tissue that is moved to the adjacent area includes blood vessels that are left in place.

Reasons for Soft Tissue Grafting

Soft tissue grafting is an extremely versatile procedure that has many uses. Recent developments in dental technology have made soft tissue grafting more predictable and less intrusive. Here are some of the main benefits associated with soft tissue grafting treatment:

  • Increased comfort – Root exposure can cause substantial pain and discomfort. Eating hot, cold or even warm foods can cause severe discomfort. Soft tissue grafts cover the exposed root, decreases sensitivity and restore good health to the gum area.
  • Improved aesthetics – Gum recession due to periodontal disease can cause the smile to look “toothy” or the teeth to appear uneven in size. Soft tissue grafting can be used as a cosmetic procedure to re-augment the gums, and make the smile appear more symmetrical.
  • Improved gum health – Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that can destroy soft tissue very rapidly. When used in combination with deep cleaning procedures, soft tissue grafting can halt tissue and bone loss, and protect exposed roots from further complications.

The Soft Tissue Grafting Process

Initially, deep cleaning will be performed both above and below the gum line to clear the teeth and roots of calculus (tartar). The grafting procedure itself will generally be performed under local anesthetic, but this will depend on the size of the areas receiving grafts. A small incision will be made at the recipient site in order to create a small pocket. A split thickness incision is made in this pocket and the donor tissue is placed between the two sections of this area. The donor tissue strip is generally larger than the incision, so some excess will be apparent.

Platelet rich growth factors which stimulate natural tissue growth and promote good healing may be applied to the site before suturing. In addition, tissue-stimulating proteins may be added to encourage quicker tissue growth. Finally, the wound site will be sutured to prevent shifting, and surgical material will be placed to protect the sensitive area. Gum uniformity and substantial healing will take place in the first six weeks after the procedure.

If you have any questions about soft tissue grafting, please ask your dentist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Soft tissue grafting doesn’t hurt at all since your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the surgical site. Our North Miami Beach dental team will make sure that you feel completely at ease throughout your dental experience. Any discomfort or sensitivity you feel after your procedure can easily be treated with both over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses.
Soft tissue grafting can help reverse the damage caused by severe cases of periodontal disease such as gum recession. During your consultation with Dr. Abbo, he’ll examine your oral health to determine if your teeth can benefit from soft tissue grafting. Before working on your gum line, your dentist will do a deep cleaning of your teeth to remove any harmful bacteria in your mouth. That way, the chance of your gum graft going well is more likely.
Most patients recover from undergoing a soft tissue graft in one to two weeks. During your initial consultation, your dentist will examine the extent of your gum recession and how many of your teeth need to be treated. This may affect how long it takes for your smile to heal as well as what type of graft you’ll undergo. Dr. Abbo will also provide you with instructions on caring for your gums after the procedure.
Most dental insurance companies will cover a portion of your soft tissue grafting procedure depending on the medical reason. Our expert staff at Dr. Abbo Advanced Dentistry recommends contacting your provider to get an accurate understanding of your policy and coverage. During your consultation with one of our dentists, they’ll give you an estimate of your treatment.