These procedures are a predictable way to cover unsightly, sensitive or exposed root surfaces and to prevent future gum recession. If you are unhappy with the appearance of short unsightly teeth this can be greatly improved by a combination of periodontal procedures by Dr. Sanai and cosmetic dentistry by your dentist.
Gum Grafting Procedures (Soft tissue and subepithelial connective tissue grafts)
When recession of the gingiva occurs, the tooth loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an option. This will allow your general dentist adequate room to place a quality final restoration.
When there is only minor recession, some healthy attached gingiva often remains and protects the tooth, so no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when recession reaches the mucosa, the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost.
In addition, gum recession often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods, as well as an unsightly appearance to the gum and tooth. Also, gum recession, when significant, can predispose progressive exposure of the root surface. This can lead to root decay and gouging (abrasion). This can also become esthetically unpleasing.
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. Graft material may also be used in commercially available forms which will prevent the need for a donor site (roof of mouth).
The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth.
Crown Lengthening
When decay occurs below the gumline or the crown is too short to allow it to be restored with a crown or filling material, it may be necessary to remove a small amount of bone and gum tissue to expose the tooth more for restoration purposes. Your dentist may ask for this procedure before he or she makes a new crown for your tooth. This will allow there to be adequate space between the restoration margin and the bone which results ina healthy gingival state and appearance.
Frenectomy and Fiberotomy
In some instances the attachment of the lip to the gingiva (labial frenum) may cause functional and esthetic problems that could be associated with gingival recession and breakdown of the periodontium.
Sometimes the attachment of the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenum) can result in speech and functional problems for the patient. This condition, also known as tongue-tie or ankyloglossia, as well as the labial frenum problem could easily be corrected by a minor surgical procedure.
Fiberotomy is a procedure that involves resecting the periodontal ligament attachment (tooth to gum and bone attachment) around a malpositioned tooth which may be undergoing orthodontic treatment. This condition is very easily corrected by this minor surgical procedure.
