Pioneer Valley Periodontics


Soft Tissue Grafts

Periodontal procedures are available to stop further dental problems and gum recession and/or to improve the esthetics of your gumline.

Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession.  Perhaps you wish to enhance your smile by covering one or more of these roots that make your teeth appear too long or maybe you are not bothered by the appearance, but you cringe because the exposed roots are sensitive to hot or cold foods and liquids.

Your gums may have receded for a variety of reasons, including aggresive tooth brushing or periodontal disease.  You may not be in control of what caused the recession, but prior to treatment  your periodontist can help you identify the factors contributing to the problem.  Once these contributing factors are controlled, a soft tissue graft procedure will repair the defect and help to prevent additional recession and bone loss.

Soft tissue grafts can be used to cover roots or create gum tissue that has been lost due to excessive gingival recession.  During this procedure tissue is taken from your palate or another donor source to cover the exposed root.  This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even  your gum line and reduce sensitivity.

The benefits of this procedure are that it can reduce further recession and bone loss.  In some cases, it can cover exposed roots to protect them from decay.  This may reduce tooth sensitivity and improve esthetics of your smile.

Patients often receive the benefits of both a beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health.  These are your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.