Difference between an FGG and CTG?
If your oral health has been negatively affected by advanced gum disease, you may benefit from a treatment to restore the health of your gums, even after your dentist eliminates the infection. You might require surgery to restore structure to your gum tissue. A gum graft is an example of this specific periodontal treatment.
The surgery requires taking tissue from another area of your mouth and then adding it to your gums to regain stability to the receding area. Depending on your personal situation, your periodontist might recommend different versions of this procedure. The following are two common types of gum grafts Dr. Haigney can provide, and how they both will restore your smile.
Connective Tissue Graft
A common and frequent version of a gum graft is the connective tissue graft. It earns its name from the kind of tissue graft taken during this procedure. Dr. Haigney will remove tissues from under a flap on the palate or the roof of your mouth.
This tissue is relocated to the problematic area. Your dental team sutures the graft into place and closes the flap on your palate to finish the surgery.
Surgeons will use this treatment if you are suffering from tooth root exposure following gum disease. This newly grafted tissue will cover these exposed roots. The restoration will eliminate uncomfortable symptoms like tooth sensitivity and help shield the roots from plaque and bacteria.
Free Gingival Graft
A free gingival gum graft is quite similar to the connective tissue graft. It will also move tissue from the top of your mouth to the damaged gum line to add structure to the area in need. Connective tissue grafts are performed if you have major tissue damage from advanced gum disease, while free gingival grafts offer more precise enhancement treatment.
This surgery will help you if you have either thinning or receding gums. You can receive a more fine-tuned solution to your gum issues with this treatment. The procedure uses a smaller amount of tissue, therefore requiring a smaller flap on your palate. Your surgeon can now make precise changes to your gums. This treatment can also offer better cosmetic results.
Both gum grafting procedures are painless because of the administration of a local anesthetic. There will be some minor discomfort in the days after your surgery. How much discomfort you experience will vary by individuality and the extent of the treatment.
Discomfort following your gum grafting can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications that will help relieve any pain. You should also prevent irritating the site by not disturbing it, practicing good daily oral hygiene, and eating soft foods.
Benefits of a Gum Graft
Gum grafting offers a variety of oral health benefits. Here are just a few:
- Gum grafting reinforces the tissue around a tooth, both strengthening and stabilizing it.
- The procedure helps protect the area from future gum recession.
- A gum graft covers the sensitive exposed roots, decreasing the risk of continuous discomfort.
- If gum recession has occurred around your front teeth, a gum graft will dramatically restore the healthy appearance of your smile.
- The success rate for gum grafting treatment is magnificently high. With proper oral hygiene, a gum graft can provide lifelong advantages.
Related Article: The Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft