Procedures
Soft Tissue Reconstruction
Sometimes an individual has issues with the gum tissue where they done have enough gum tissue of a tooth, or there are structural problems like frenum pulls.
Gum Graft
A gum graft or gingival graft is done when a tooth or implant is missing the tough pink tissue that normally surrounds and protects our teeth. Here is a case treated by Dr. Scharf where he added more gum tissue to an area that is deficient. The donor tissue can be taken from the palate or artificial tissue can be used. Dr. Scharf uses a technique called “connective tissue grafting” that minimizes the pain and bleeding normally associated with gum grafts from the palate.
Gingival Grafting
This tooth had no attached gingiva. Gingiva is the tissue that forms a tough resistant seal against the root of the tooth. The gum tissue pulls away from the tooth. This makes the gum line sore and difficult to keep clean.
A gingival graft was used to transplant gum tissue from the roof of the mouth. The new tissue blends in beautifully and forms a durable, protective seal against the root of the tooth. This tooth now has an excellent prognosis.
Frenectomy
A frenum is a small piece of tissue that attaches at one end to the lips and at the other end to the gums. It serves no purpose and contains no muscle fibers. Sometimes the frenum connects too close to the teeth and gets in the way of effective oral hygiene or compromised the integrity of the seal of the gum tissue to the tooth. When this occurs a simple frenectomy can be done to eliminate the problem. Many times this can be done with a laser for a bloodless procedure with quick recovery time and minimal discomfort.
Frenectomy
This dense band of tissue between the front teeth is called a frenum. When the frenum attaches close to the teeth, it can cause the teeth to separate even though braces have brought the teeth together. The teeth are more susceptible to gum disease as the seal between the tooth and the gum can be disrupted as the frenum moves.
A frenectomy is done to remove the excessive tissue. There is no longer this dense band of tissue driving the teeth apart. The position of the teeth will be much more stable after the braces are removed. The periodontal condition is more stable as well.