Soft Tissue Graft (Subepithelial connective tissue grafts)

Recession of the gums also results in bone loss. The bone covering the root of the tooth is so thin that as recession progresses, the bone supporting the tooth is also lost. Over time, this will cause the tooth to become more mobile and could eventually cause it to be lost.

Soft tissue grafts may be biologically needed if too much recession has caused a lack of attached tissue. Grafts can also be used to improve esthetics, address root sensitivity, or assist in restorative treatment.

A gingival graft is designed to solve these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth, or gently moved over from adjacent areas, to provide a stable band of attached gingiva around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root.

The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth.