Soft tissue grafts focus more on helping individuals improve the soft tissue in their mouths, particularly the gums. This differs from bone grafting which mainly focuses on bone loss in the jaw, while soft tissue grafting primarily focuses on the gums
Here is a brief overview of what soft tissue grafts are. If anything needs clarification or more information, feel free to give us a call!
Why Are Soft Tissue Grafts Needed?
Soft tissue grafts can help support your lifestyle in a variety of different ways. Some of these ways may include:
Orthodontic Concerns
These grafts may need to be a prerequisite for orthodontic work.
Gum Recession
Break up the effects of gum recession with soft tissue grafts.
Aesthetic Concerns
These grafts create a uniform gum line you can be proud of.
Trauma or Injury
Replace gum damage from injuries with soft tissue grafts.
Types of Soft Tissue Grafts
If you are considered for a soft tissue graft, there are quite a few kinds of grafts Dr. Edmunds might suggest. Some of these soft tissue grafts might include the following.
Palatal Connective Tissue Graft (CTG)
During this soft tissue graft, we will use a part of your inner tissue from the roof of your mouth (also known as the palate) and place it on the area that needs to be treated. This dental process can be quite involved and will need anesthesia.
This kind of soft tissue grafting is typically for more cosmetic issues, such as increasing the gum tissue or treating gum deflation. Patients who brush too hard may find themselves needing connective tissue grafting.
Free Gingival Graft (FGG)
This soft tissue graft utilizes the outer tissue, or the surface layer, from the roof of your mouth and places it on the affected area.
This soft tissue grafting can help aid with cosmetic difficulties, such as replacing gums damaged through trauma or an injury.
Donor Soft Tissue Graft
As the name suggests, the soft tissue used in these grafts comes from a donor rather than from the roof of your mouth. Donor grafting has become one of the primary techniques used in modern periodontics because it is minimally invasive and less painful while still offering excellent results.
Depending on your exact situation this technique may not be the best option for you, but our goal is to try to use donor grafts where possible.
Pinhole Soft Tissue Graft
The pinhole technique is one specific version of donor grafting that has been utilized by our clinicians since 2014. Utilizing a small hole in the gum tissue, we can reposition your gum tissue and place a donor graft to preserve your teeth and implants.
At your new patient consultation, we can discuss which option is best for you.
Before and Afters
Using a Frenectomy
A frenectomy focuses on removing or repositioning the frenum—the fold of tissue or muscle connecting the tongue, lips, or cheek to the jawbone. Depending on your specific needs, Dr. Edmunds might move the frenulum or remove parts of it. This procedure aims to improve the affected areas in your mouth.
This method is widely used for cosmetic and practical reasons, such as improving your speech or improving the look of your teeth. It is often used as a first step to preventing recession and delaying the need for a soft tissue graft.
Give Yourself Quality Periodontal Care in Provo
Treat your gums with the utmost precision that they need. Call Pinnacle Periodontics in Provo, Utah, today for your dental needs!