Gum transplantation

Definiton

In gum transplantation, gum is removed from a specific area and then implanted in another area. These grafts, usually taken from the palate, are used to cover recessions, i.e. exposed tooth necks, or non-healing wounds on the jawbone. The tissue is sutured with sutures to the appropriate place and heals there within a few weeks. Due to various adaptation processes, the tissue is then hardly distinguishable from the surrounding gums and excellent aesthetics are achieved, especially in the anterior region.

When is a gum transplantation useful?

Gum transplantation can be useful in many situations to restore esthetics, especially in the anterior region. The main reason for this is the exposed tooth necks, which, in addition to an unattractive appearance, sometimes cause complaints such as the affected tooth being sensitive to cold. In addition to congenital gingival recession, other possible causes include incorrect brushing technique, teeth being moved too quickly by the orthodontist, prolonged gingivitis or poorly fitting dentures.

Especially when brushing, the danger is often underestimated. If you use a toothbrush that is too hard or too worn and brush with great force at the wrong angle or with the wrong technique, the fine gum fibers can be destroyed quickly. People with a very “thin gum type” quickly develop so-called recessions.

This is a non-inflammatory tissue remodelling, which is not caused by plaque. It is different when the recessions are caused by periodontal therapy. Here, inflammatory concrements have already caused bone loss around the teeth. If the cleaned gum pockets now heal, the gums retract due to the previous inflammation and adapt to the bone.

  • How can gums be rebuilt?
  • Gum recession

Associated symptoms

If gum transplantation is necessary, there is often the problem of very sensitive tooth necks or unattractive aesthetics of the gum transition in the anterior teeth. The pain always occurs when cold air or cold water gets to the teeth. Gum transplantation can cause slight bleeding after the procedure until healing.

Especially at the donor site, as the wound has to heal openly, similar to a large and deep abrasion. However, since this is constantly exposed to saliva, fluids and food in the mouth, it is a long and sometimes quite painful process. After healing, this area of the palate can remain sensitive for a long time.

Warm and sharp foods cause a painful sensation. Sometimes the area is numb for a longer period of up to half a year before the feeling slowly returns. The same is true for the receptor site, but since the wound is smaller and tightly sutured, these side effects occur there rather rarely.