Soft Tissue Grafting

Visit our brand new, state-of-the-art offices for soft tissue grafting procedures. Enjoy an awesome staff and low wait times—we respect your time and treat you with a gentle touch.

Call us for more information:
Virginia Beach: (757) 424-2672
Norfolk: (757) 489-1511

Soft tissue grafting is often needed to treat gum recession. This condition can develop due to periodontal disease, trauma, aging, overbrushing, or poor tooth positioning. As gum recession worsens, tooth roots may become exposed. As a result, patients may experience increased sensitivity and discomfort. In addition, the risk of tooth decay increases, and the appearance of the smile may change.

The main goal of soft tissue grafting is to protect exposed roots or to restore and thicken gum tissue. This helps prevent further tissue loss and improves overall oral health.

There are three common types of soft tissue grafts:

• Free gingival graft: A small strip of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth. Then, it is attached to the treatment area to promote new tissue growth. This type of graft is often used to thicken existing gum tissue.
• Connective tissue graft: This is the most common type of graft for root exposure. Tissue is taken from a small flap in the mouth and placed over the exposed root to restore coverage.
• Pedicle graft: This technique uses nearby gum tissue. A flap is partially cut and moved to cover the exposed root. Because the tissue stays connected to its blood supply, healing is often more predictable.

Reasons for soft tissue grafting

Soft tissue grafting is a versatile procedure with many uses. In addition, advances in dental technology have made it more predictable and less invasive.

There are several key benefits of soft tissue grafting treatment:

Increased comfort:
Root exposure can cause significant pain and sensitivity. For example, even hot, cold, or warm foods can feel uncomfortable. Soft tissue grafting covers the exposed root. As a result, it reduces sensitivity and helps restore gum health.

Improved aesthetics:
Gum recession caused by periodontal disease can affect your smile. It may make teeth look longer or uneven in size. However, soft tissue grafting can restore gum tissue. As a result, it helps create a more balanced and natural-looking smile.

Improved gum health:
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that can damage soft tissue over time. When combined with deep cleaning, soft tissue grafting can help stop tissue and bone loss. In addition, it protects exposed roots from further complications.

What does soft tissue grafting treatment involve?

First, your dentist will perform a deep cleaning. This removes plaque and tartar from both above and below the gum line. Next, the grafting procedure is performed. In most cases, a local anesthetic is used to keep you comfortable. However, this may depend on the size of the treatment area.

After that, your dentist will make a small incision at the treatment site. This creates a pocket in the gum tissue. Then, a split-thickness incision is made within that pocket. The donor tissue is placed between the two sections.

The donor tissue is usually slightly larger than the incision. As a result, some excess tissue may be visible during the healing process. In addition, your dentist may apply platelet-rich growth factors. These help stimulate natural tissue growth and support healing. Tissue-stimulating proteins may also be used to encourage faster recovery.

Finally, the area is sutured to secure the tissue and prevent movement. A protective covering may also be placed over the site. Healing begins right away. Gum tissue typically becomes more uniform within the first six weeks after the procedure.

If you have any questions about soft tissue grafting, speak with your dentist. They can provide guidance based on your specific needs.