Hi! Dr Jimmy here from New Gisborne Dental House, part of the Dental House Group.
If you’ve been told you have gum recession, chances are you’ve come across the term gum grafting. But what you might not know is, there’s more than one way to do it! Let’s walk through the different techniques, so you have a clearer idea of what might suit your situation best.
First up, the connective tissue graft.
This is one of the most common methods. We take a small flap of tissue from under the roof of your mouth and place that connective tissue over the exposed root. The flap is then stitched back. This technique is known for delivering natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Next, the free gingival graft.
In this approach, we take a small piece of tissue directly from the top layer of your palate, without lifting a flap. It’s especially useful for people with thinner gums who need a bit of reinforcement. It’s very effective, but can sometimes come with a little more post-op sensitivity.
Looking for a less invasive option?
The pinhole surgical technique might be worth considering. Instead of taking tissue from your mouth, we make a tiny hole in the gum and gently loosen and reposition the tissue to cover the exposed area. No stitches, no incisions, just a faster, more comfortable recovery.
There’s also the allograft option.
This uses donor tissue instead of harvesting it from your own mouth. It’s great for patients needing more extensive coverage, especially when there isn’t enough tissue available to use from within your mouth.
And finally, the pedicle graft.
In this technique, we use tissue from right next to the recession site. The gum is partially cut, then stretched over the exposed root. Because the blood supply stays intact, healing can be quicker.
Each technique has its own strengths, and the best choice really depends on your gum health, how much tissue is needed, and your personal comfort preferences.
At New Gisborne Dental House, we’ll guide you through the options and tailor your treatment plan to suit your needs. If you’re curious about gum grafting and want to find out which method might work best for you, give us a call on 1800 GENTLE, or send us a DM and we’ll help organise your consultation. Speak soon!
