Gingival Grafting surgery for root coverage
From the examination of your mouth we have found that you may benefit from a procedure to treat areas where the roots of the teeth become exposed. The procedure can help to cover the exposed roots as well as to provide a zone of dense tough tissue to prevent further recession or future recession of your gums. Coverage of the roots may reduce root sensitivity, reduce the risk of root decay and enhance appearance. Failure to correct the problem could leave you at risk for additional gum recession and root decay, as well as sensitivity.
The technique for providing root coverage can involve wither transplanting tissue from the roof of your mouth, which is known as Connective Tissue Grafting, or we can also use Alloderm which is a tissue obtained from a tissue bank. The tissue comes from donors that have passed on in a health state. The tissue has been extensively screened and tested and approved for organ transplantation. Other tissue such as bone and skin are often obtained from the same donors and processed to the same high standards. Alloderm is derived from the skin. It has all the cells and blood removed which precludes rejection of the tissue and eliminates the possibility of viral or bacterial presence. The processed is screened both before and after it is processed to ensure safety and it is in a sterile and freeze dried form. This tissue already has all the blood vessels present so your body can more easily revascularize the graft and provides bloody supply to the graft. Your body will then begin to replace the Alloderm with your tissue through normal cell turnover and after twelve months, it will be completely replaced by your own tissue. This tissue is used widely in medicine for many applications. Studies have shown that the surgical outcome from Alloderm can be equivalent or even better that that with your own palatal tissues. The big advantage is that we can provide you with results similar to your own tissue while avoiding another surgical site.
The success of the procedures for root coverage can vary anywhere from 50 – 100% wuth the averages running somewhere around 80 – 90% root coverage. There are a number of factors that affect the quality of healing, some of which are purely biological and out of our control. There is no method that will accurately predicate or evaluate exactly how your gum and bone heal and occasionally there is a need for second procedure if the initial surgery is not satisfactory. In addition, the success of grafting can be affected by:
To ensure optimal success it will be important to follow all the directions provided to you by our office regarding both pre and post-operative care.
If you elect to use your own tissue from the roof of your mouth, then we will be fitting you with an appliance called a Stent which fits over the palate and is attached to the teeth, but removable. This will protect the site and make you much more comfortable during the initial healing interval for the palate which is approximately twelve days. If you elect to use Alloderm material, then you will not have to consider any discomfort or wound to the roof of your mouth.
Taking care of yourself before Periodontal Treatment:
Eat a nutritious meals the night before and the day of the appointment.
Avoid the ise of alcoholic beverages
Of taking full doses of Aspirin (325mg) for medical reasons, please discontinue one week prior. Low doses of Aspirin (81mg) are fine.
One hour before the appointment:
Take Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) if recommended
400mg for an Adult and 200mg for children under twelve.
Or
Tylenol #1 for a child under twelve.
You should plan on resting for the remainder of the appointment day.