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This procedure is usually indicated to treat gum recession problems. Gum recession may be caused by previous gum disease, over-zealous tooth brushing (particularly with a hard tooth brush) or occasionally following other dental therapy, such as orthodontic treatment. A graft may be taken from another site in your mouth, usually from the palate. Once this tissue is surgically applied on the recession defect, it gradually gets replaced by your own tissue.
This refers to a surgical procedure to expose more of the tooth by removal of some bone and gum tissue from around the tooth. It can be employed to treat a ‘gummy smile’ when the patient considers their smile to be unattractive as they display too much gum tissue. It can also be used to harmonise gum margins if they are uneven, or if the tooth has a fracture or decay that extends below the gum line, that would make it difficult or impossible for the dentist to otherwise treat.
As its name suggests, it involves placing a bone graft in a site where there is a deficiency in bone volume. The most common application for this procedure is prior to dental implant placement, but it can also be used in selected cases to reverse the effects of bone loss secondary to gum disease. The bone graft itself can take several forms, and the choice of material is to a large degree dictated by the location and size of the bone defect, and the purpose of the graft.
This type of surgery may be considered when, after initial non-surgical therapy for gum disease, there remain some sites in your mouth where the disease continues to progress. These areas are usually referred to as ‘deep pockets’. The aim of this surgical procedure is to create an environment around the relevant tooth or teeth, where the gum tissue has a better chance of healing and to make it easier for a patient to carry out their daily oral hygiene regimen.