Gingival (Gum) Surgery and Grafting
The gingival tissue is an integral part of the foundation that supports teeth. Problems associated with the gingiva can create a cascade effect that can next effect the supporting bone and then the tooth, resulting in tooth loss, if left untreated. Many times, the gingiva itself can be effectively treated using non surgical methods to generate proper results, but there are times where surgical treatments are required, because it is the only option for proper repair. Dr. Diehl is trained to administer a variety of surgical and non surgical treatments for gingival disorders.
Types of Gingival Grafts
* Free Gingival Grafts (use of the patients own tissue harvested from a location in the mouth)
* Connective Tissue Grafts (use of the patients own tissue or donated tissue)
Connective Tissue Grafts are often used to correct areas where the gum has receeded, resulting in exposure of the root of the tooth. Using a product called Alloderm, in conjunction with coronally repositioning of the gingival tissue, we can restore the tissue to its proper position, dimension and quality.
Alloderm use has greatly improved connective tissue grafting surgeries in that we no longer have to harvest the patients own tissue from another location in their mouth. Thus, there is only one surgical site instead of two to recover from. Like blood and bone are donated, Alloderm itself is a donated human tissue that is used in connective tissue grafting. For more information, use the following link =43895 to view a product brochure.
Types of Gingival Surgery
Gingivectomy is the removal of excess or problematic gum tissue to create a more beneficial periodontal environment. Patients who have periodontal pocketing may benefit from a combined effect of osseous surgery with gingivectomy to reduce pocket depths and improve bone contours for improving the ability of the patient to manage their periodontal condition.