Periodontal disease often destroys the bone and tissue that support teeth. Gum recession can make eating hot and cold foods uncomfortable and alter the aesthetic appearance of a smile.

Today’s sophisticated tissue regeneration techniques allow periodontists to reconstruct and regenerate lost and destroyed gingival tissues. The main goal is to cover an exposed root or to thicken the existing gum tissue and prevent further tissue loss.

Periodontists often use a free gingival graft to increase the thickness existing gum tissue. A small layer of tissue is removed from the palate of the patient’s mouth and stitched into place at the site of gum recession. Both sites heal in a very predictable, uneventful manner in two or three weeks.

When treating a larger area or root exposure, periodontists may recommend an allograft to create new gum tissue. With this option, tissue is surgically transplanted from one person to another. The science is not new — allografts have been used successfully for more than 150 years. In face, approximately one million allografts are transplanted each year in the United States alone.

Whether your doctor recommends a free gingival grafts or an allograft, the result will be new zones of gum tissue covering formerly exposed roots. Patients are often surprised by the relatively painless recovery process after either of these procedure.

When considering a tissue grafting for medical or cosmetic purposes, it is important to speak with a specialist to determine the best treatment method. Call 404-815-4800 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bartruff.