Gum Grafting
Gum grafting, also called ‘soft tissue grafting’, ‘connective tissue grafting’, or ‘periodontal plastic surgery’ include procedures done to strengthen the gum tissue around teeth and implant sites.
The quality or quantity of gum tissue may be deficient due to a number of causes, including genetics, aggressive brushing, and tooth position. As a result, recession, tooth sensitivity, and increased inflammation can occur in these areas.
A gum graft can be done to strengthen this tissue. It may also be possible to cover these exposed roots to improve esthetics, protect from decay, and improve the long-term health and stability of the teeth. Gum tissue from the palate is often used to augment the soft tissues, and can provide safe and predictable results.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting, also called ‘allografting’, ‘autografting’, ‘ridge modification’, ‘socket preservation’ or ‘sinus augmentation’ involves the addition of bone mineral to your jaw in order to improve the success of dental implant procedures. After a healing period, the bone will be ready for implant placement.
“Ridge modification/Alllografting” may be needed if you don’t have enough bone to support an implant. This bone loss could be caused by periodontal disease, wearing dentures, injury, or trauma. During this procedure, bone or bone substitute is added where needed to ensure a proper foundation for implants.
“Sinus augmentation” may be needed to place implants in the upper back jaw, where your bone is very close to your sinus. In this procedure, the sinus floor is raised so there is more room for new bone to grow to provide a proper foundation for implants.
“Socket Preservation” is sometimes needed to preserve bone and minimize bone loss when a tooth has been removed. One common technique is to fill the socket with bone or bone substitute and allow the bone to heal before implant placement.
In general, these grafting procedures are recommended to improve the health, stability, and long-term function of both teeth and implants.