Mucogingival Defect Repair (Free Gingival Grafts)

When recession of the gingiva occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an option.
When there is only minor recession, some healthy gingiva often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care cleaning methods is necessary. However, when recession is advanced or reaches the mucosa, the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost.
A gingival graft is designed to solve these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from behind the wisdom tooth in the upper jaw or gently moved over from adjacent areas, to provide a stable band of attached gum tissue around the tooth. The gum (gingival) graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root, as well. The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth.