Periodontal Oral or Gum Surgery Birmingham, AL
Gum Grafting and Gum Surgery
Dr. Maddux Discusses The Benefits Of Gum Grafting
Chao Pinhole Gum Procedure Video
What is A
Gum Graft?
Gum graft is a periodontal surgery performed to treat the condition of receding gums due to periodontal disease and other causes such as trauma, genetics, bruxism, malocclusion or hard brushing. Gum grafting can be carried out on gums that have receded, and while it may improve the appearance of a smile, it can also protect your teeth against the further gum recession and tooth loss.
What should you expect from gum graft surgery
Initially, your gums will need to be properly assessed by Dr. Maddux to determine the underlying cause of recession and best course of treatment. Grafts are categorized as:
Autograft (patient’s own tissue)
Allograft (same species)
Xenograft (different species)
Alloplast (synthetic)
- Sutures are sometimes used to stabilize the newly grafted tissue, as well as Platelet Rich Fibrin to enhance wound healing.
Dr. Maddux Discusses The Benefits Of Gum Grafting
There are several different types of gum grafts, depending on your specific needs. Your options can include:
Allograft
An allograft is an donor gum tissue graft which is highly effective. Dr. Maddux will place the graft, which is like a matrix, into the area that needs repairing. The matrix creates a strong biological framework that enables the gums to begin repairing themselves by promoting the growth of brand new tissue cells. This is because the matrix contains sophisticated growth agents that draw stem cells from the bone marrow to the graft site, creating the right environment for tissue regeneration.
This is our most widely used graft as the results and success rates are very good. Unlike the other gum grafts listed, there is no need to take tissue from another area in your mouth
Connective Tissue Graft
Connective tissue graft is used to treat exposed tooth roots. During this gum surgery procedure, a small flap is cut into the roof of your mouth, so some of the tissue underneath the top layer can be removed. This tissue is called subepithelial connective tissue and is subsequently stitched in place around the exposed tooth root. The flap in the roof of the mouth is then stitched down.
Free Gingival Grafts
Free gingival grafts are similar to a connective tissue graft except that instead of cutting a flap to remove tissue underneath, a small amount of tissue is taken directly from the roof of the mouth. This tissue is then placed and attached directly to the gum area being treated. Dr. Maddux prefers this method for those who have naturally thin gums.
Pedicle Graft
The pedicle graft method does not take graft tissue from the roof of the mouth. Instead, the gum tissue is grafted from existing tissue around the tooth needing repair. In this method, the flap, called a pedicle, is partially cut away so that one edge remains attached. The flap is then pulled over to cover the exposed root and sutured in place. This method is preferred for patients who have plenty of gum tissue near the tooth needing repair.
Does Gum Grafting Hurt?
During the gum grafting surgery, Dr. Maddux will make sure you receive plenty of local anesthetic to make the procedure painless, or if needed you can opt for sedation to help ensure you feel entirely comfortable.
Following a gum graft surgery, the amount of pain the patient will largely depend on the type of gum graft procedure that was performed. If no tissue had to be removed from your palate, you should feel little to no pain at all. However, if the tissue was removed from the roof of your mouth, you may feel slight discomfort for a few days.
Gum Grafting Recovery
Gum graft recovery time is usually quick, taking one to two weeks for your mouth to fully heal. Dr. Maddux will give you precise instructions on how to look after the area being treated.
- You shouldn’t brush or floss around the gum line that was treated until the area has healed.
- During this time you will keep your mouth clean using a special mouthwash that helps control plaque during the healing process.
- We might also prescribe antibiotics to help reduce the risk of infection.
- What can you eat after a gum graft? It’s best to stick to soft foods for a week or two after treatment and to avoid eating anything too hot. The source of the gum tissue graft in your mouth should heal relatively quickly, and any discomfort can generally be controlled with prescription pain medication and anti-inflammatory medication.
- You should be able to return to work a day or so after gum graft surgery.
What is the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique
(PST)?
The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. Unlike traditional grafting techniques, PST is incision and suture free.
How does the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST) differ from traditional gum grafting?
Traditional gum recession treatments involve the use of donor tissue or soft tissue grafts in order to rebuild the gumline. This soft tissue would be sutured in place and would join with existing gum tissue as it healed.
While this traditional grafting treatment is effective, comparable results with better patient experience can be achieved through the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique.
What Is The Procedure?
During the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique, a needle is used to make a small hole in the patient’s existing gum tissue. Through this pinhole, special instruments are used to gently loosen the gum tissue. These tools help expand and slide the gumline to cover the exposed root structure.
There are no grafts, no sutures, and no incisions needed with the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique. It simply involves the adjustment of the existing tissue.
What are the benefits of Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST)?
The benefits of the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique are many:
• Less discomfort for the patient after treatment
• Faster recovery for the patient than traditional grafting • No need for uncomfortable sutures
• No need for scalpels or invasive surgical tools
• No need to take donor tissue from the patient’s palate • Excellent, natural-looking, long-lasting results
