Beverly Hills Periodontal Institute

Gum Graft

WHEN ARE GUM GRAFTS NEEDED

Gum Graft is a procedure that helps reverse gum recession and it is one of the most delicate procedures performed in dentistry today. A recession to the gums is when the gum surrounding the tooth has pulled away, causing the roots of the teeth to become exposed. The main goal of grafting is to restore the health of the gum tissue and to prevent further recession and damage to the tooth.

A NOVEL APPROACH DEVELOPED BY DR. MADISON


Gum Graft Beverly Hills – Gum recession can make the teeth more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. Besides sensitivity, receding gums can also make teeth more susceptible to cavities on the exposed roots. Gum grafts are used to replace gum that has been lost and restoring the thick healthy gum tissue that seals the neck of the teeth to prevent future problems.  During a gum graft procedure, a small strip of gum tissue is usually taken from your palate to cover the exposed root. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth. The unique gum graft techniques perfected by Dr. Madison can correct most gum defects effectively, and comfortably.

Gum recession can make the teeth more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. Besides sensitivity, receding gums can also make teeth more susceptible to cavities on the exposed roots. Gum grafts are used to replace gum that has been lost and restoring the thick healthy gum tissue that seals the neck of the teeth to prevent future problems.  During a gum graft procedure, a small strip of gum tissue is usually taken from your palate to cover the exposed root. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth. The unique gum graft techniques perfected by Dr. Madison can correct most gum defects effectively, and comfortably.

Many different techniques are available for gum grafting. There are unique patient variables that should be evaluated carefully by the periodontist to determine the ideal technique for each patient. Ideally, the periodontist should be versed in all of these techniques so that he or she can use the right technique for each case. Unfortunately, if a periodontist is only comfortable with one or two techniques, then he or she might use the wrong approach in correcting a gum recession defect. Periodontists are the only dentists who undergo years of additional training to perform gum graft procedures. When done properly, and with appropriate follow up care, gum grafts can last a lifetime. When done properly, gum grafts are also relatively easy on the patient.  Quite often, our patients return to work the next day with nothing more than over-the-counter pain pills (ibuprofen) for post-operative pain relief.

I was always unhappy with the gum graft techniques that were taught and used by the majority of periodontists who performed gum grafts. The gum grafts rarely looked natural, even after they had healed, and the whole process was very uncomfortable and painful for the patient. This inspired me to search for better gum graft solutions and my research has helped me develop some extraordinary microsurgical techniques.

MY GUM GRAFT MICROSURGERY TECHNIQUES ACCOMPLISH THE FOLLOWING:

It allows for a much more precise surgical method. It allows for much faster healing. It allows for excellent results with virtually no pain.

With this technique I can now achieve results with gum grafts that were previously thought to be impossible, and the results often astound my patients and my colleagues. In fact, I now teach these same gum graft techniques to other periodontists across the nation.

Known and respected as a leading expert for gum grafts, patients come from all over the country to have their gum grafts done at my office.

MORE ABOUT THE GUM GRAFTING PROCEDURE

In dental health, there are two types of gum tissues that surround a tooth. The part of the gum that is around the neck of the tooth called the “gingiva” and this is firmly attached to the tooth and underlying bone. This attached gingiva is immovable and tough, and is resistant to normal trauma from eating, tooth brushing, etc. When your teeth have a properly attached gumline, no gum grafts are needed. Right below the attached gingiva a looser gum tissue called alveolar mucosa. This tissue is loose to allow the movement of the lip and the cheeks, but is not tough enough to withstand the normal trauma from eating and tooth brushing and does not adequatly protect the tooth and the underlying bone.
Image

Beginning Stages of Gum Recession

Gum recession starting (Represents insufficient attached gum resulting in recession starting).

Image

Gum Recession Continues Leading to Bone Loss

Inadequate Gum Support (represents Insufficient attached gum which leads to gradual loss of gum and bone).

Image

Advanced Stage with Gum and Bone Recession

Gum pulling ( Represents Note gum pulling away when cheek muscle retracted. The bone that previously covered the root has also receded).

WHEN GUM GRAFTS MAY BE NEEDED

Genetically, we all have different widths and thicknesses of attached gingiva. Some people are born with thin or insufficient attached gingiva. In these cases the gum slowly continues to recede over time, even though the patient may be very dedicated to oral health. This situation is not an infection, as seen with periodontal disease, but it still needs to be treated.  Unfortunately, when gums recede, bone recession is occurring at the same time. This is caused because the bone, which is just under the gum, will not allow itself to become exposed to the oral cavity. As a result, it moves down with the gum.

A lack of attached gingiva is sometimes associated with a high frenum attachment, which exaggerates the pull on the gum margin. A frenum is a naturally occurring muscle attachment, normally seen between the front teeth (either upper or lower). It is normal to have a frenum, but it should not pull on the gum margin or recession will occur. If pulling is seen, the frenum is surgically released from the gum with a frenectomy. Often a new band of hard gum is also added to re-establish an adequate amount of attached gingiva (see below).

With the wear and tear of time, even normal attached gum can be worn away, generally from vigorous brushing. This often happens in people with naturally thin tissues, or when the tissues have been stretched during orthodontics. If there is still adequate attached gum to act as a barrier to the muscle, the treatment for gum recession is to ensure further damage isn’t done when brushing.

However, if the attached gum is worn to the point where it cannot resist the constant pull of the mucosa, gum recession will continue unless a new hard band of gum is placed. Unchecked, the gum recession can cause tooth loss as the bone recedes with the tissue and tooth support weakens.

Gingival Grafting The replacement of missing attached gum is called gingival grafting. The muscle that is pulling down on the edge of the gum is first surgically resected and repositioned away from the gum margin. Then a small piece of attached gingiva is taken from the roof of the mouth, just adjacent to the back teeth, and transplanted to the site in question.

The new tissue reattaches and reforms a new layer of attached gum, which should last a lifetime with proper care. The roof of the mouth heals quickly, just like a skinned knee would. With this procedure the root is not covered, and the tissue stays at the same level as before, except with attached gingiva at the margin. Gingival grafting procedures are very easy on the patient, and rarely require more than over-the-counter pain pills post-operatively (ibuprofen).

Gum Grafts to Correct Exposed Tooth Roots Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession. Perhaps you wish to enhance your smile by covering one or more of these roots that make your teeth appear too long. Or, maybe you’re not bothered by the appearance of these areas, but you cringe because the exposed roots are sensitive to hot or cold foods and liquids.

Your gums may have receded for a variety of reasons, including aggressive tooth brushing or periodontal disease. You may not be in control of what caused the recession, but prior to treatment we can help you identify the factors contributing to the problem. Once these contributing factors are controlled, a soft tissue graft procedure will repair the defect and help to prevent additional recession and bone loss.

TAKING THE NEXT STEP

A soft tissue graft can reduce further recession and bone loss. In some cases, it can cover exposed roots to protect them from decay. This may reduce tooth sensitivity and improve esthetics of your smile. Whether you have a graft to improve function or esthetics, patients often receive the benefits of both: a beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health – your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence. At the Beverly Hills Periodontal Institute, we offer the most advanced soft tissue grafting (gum graft) techniques for safe and effective management of gum defects. Many of these procedures were developed by Dr. Madison with the goal of achieving optimum results, with total patient comfort and satisfaction.
Image
Dental Reviews & Testimonials

Over 35+ ★★★★★ Star Reviews

Very rarely have I experience such care and compassion from a doctor/periodontist. I appreciate that Doctor Madison took his time with me, given that I was a nervous patient. He made sure that I was completely comfortable before he started my procedure. Because of Doctor Madison I have confidence in continuing and maintaining my dental work, something that I have been putting off for years. I am so happy with the major improvement on my teeth and I am so grateful to Doctor Madison. I highly recommend him.
Mahtab Hakim
a year ago
I am writing this review for Dr. Madison as I feel obliged to, given the outstanding care he has provided my family. My son, daughter and my father have all seen Dr. Madison over the past year and the more times our family has seen Dr. Madison, the more impressed I am with him. We are very grateful for the exceptional care, the great bedside manner and the attention to detail that Dr. Madison provides. For my father, he was able to catch a serious infection in his tooth that his long-time dentist missed.
Romy Nourafchan
Dr. Madison is the BEST in the business. His staff is excellent and responsive, and Dr. Madison is extremely knowledgeable, reasonable, gentle, and thorough. The last two dentists I've seen have said that Dr. Madison is their no. 1 choice for a periodontist in Los Angeles.
Vassi Iliadis
Dr. Madison is the best dentist I have ever had. I have had to have an implant. He and his staff made me feel comfortable and relayed my fears. The office manager and the rest of the staff treat me politely and explain the whole procedure. I could not recommend them more to anyone who wants excellence in their dental care. Keep up the great work!
Charles Feldman

Schedule a visit with Dr. Madison