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Dr. Richard Shanaman, P.C.
: Root Coverage
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Dr. Richard H. Shanaman, P.C.
1719 Penn Ave
Wyomissing Hills
Reading,
PA
19609
info@drshanaman.com
(610) 678-4531
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When there is recession of gum exposing the root of a tooth, there are a number of different surgical procedures that can be used to improve the situation. Some of the early but still useful procedures are free gingival grafts, pedicle grafts, and double papilla grafts.
Other surgical procedures can be used to cover exposed roots, such as the connective tissue graft or gingival augmentation with guided tissue regeneration.
Please read about each of these procedures below.
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Free
Gingival Graft
Free Gingival Graft
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Tissue is
taken from the roof of the mouth and placed over the exposed root
extending it laterally onto adjacent soft tissue. Root coverage is
predictable; however, the graft does not always blend in with adjacent
gum. Its appearance is unnatural. This may not be a problem, if
accomplished in the posterior regions or lower jaw, because the area
will rarely be seen. Its shortcoming is the uncomfortable and sometimes
painful nature of the healing process.
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Pedicle Graft
Pedicle Graft
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If there is
sufficiently thick gum next to the tooth needing coverage, it may be
possible to carefully dissect free the top layer, leaving it attached at
the base to provide a blood supply to maintain its vitality.
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Double Papilla Graft
Double Papilla Graft
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This
procedure uses the same principles as the pedicle graft; except the gum
between the teeth (papilla) on either side are moved over the exposed
root.
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Connective Tissue Graft
Connective Tissue
Graft
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Connective
tissue is taken from under the gum on the palate (roof of the mouth).
This tissue is placed under a flap in the area needing root coverage.
Only the underlying connective tissue is removed from the palate;
therefore, a painful open wound is not present as with the free gingival
graft discussed previously.
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Gingival Augmentation With Guided Tissue Regeneration
Gingival Augmentation
With Guided Tissue Regeneration
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In both of
these cases, root coverage was accomplished using a barrier membrane in
lieu of connective tissue.
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