Traditional gum surgery to correct gum recession uses a graft from the roof of the mouth to replace missing gum tissue. Guided tissue regeneration is a superior option that is suture and scalpel free. Using a small hole above the affected tooth, specialized instruments are used to slide the gum tissue back to its proper place. Benefits include a more comfortable treatment experience, quicker recovery and excellent results.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Surgery Results
About Gum Recession
Gum recession occurs when the bone and gum tissue around the root disappears, resulting in exposure of the root of the tooth. It can occur due to many reasons including periodontal disease, grinding or clenching, a misaligned bite, or some forms of orthodontics. Early on you may not know that you have gum recession other than the irritating sensitivity to cold or hot food and drink. As it progresses, more of the root becomes exposed and teeth may appear as though they are getting longer, and darker near the gum line. Severe cases can lead to excessive bone and gum tissue loss ultimately resulting in tooth loss.
Traditional Treatment
The most common surgical technique for treating gum recession is by taking some gum tissue from a donor site, typically the roof of the mouth, and suturing it over the area of recession. Following this surgery the donor site is often quite sore and takes quite some time to heal.
The Technique
The technique involves no scalpels or sutures to achieve similar results to grafting. A small hole is made above the tooth with gum recession and then the gum tissue is guided back to its proper place using specialized instruments. Collagen is then placed under the gum tissue to further shape and position the gum tissue as well as to help stimulate healing and regeneration.
Recovery
Due to the lack of sutures or scalpels, the recovery time following guided tissue regeneration surgery is much faster. Traditional gum grafting surgery has healing times of up to three weeks. Following this surgery most patients only experience mild discomfort and can usually resume normal function, like eating, by the same evening.