WHAT IS A PERIODONTICS CTG

What is CTG?

CTG, or a connective tissue graft, is a gum grafting technique performed when there is gum recession exposing roots, thin gums, or aesthetic concerns from darker colored roots.

This technique has the best cosmetic outcome because the grafting material is placed underneath existing gum, so the color matches the surrounding natural tissues. This technique obtains the best root coverage. The connective tissue graft is usually taken from the roof of your mouth and can be used alone or with regenerative biologics such as platelet-rich fibrin or amelogenin protein.

Benefits of Connective Tissue Grafting

The grafting procedure usually takes about an hour, and when healed, your gums will look healthy and will be restored and stronger than they were. Your gum tissues will return to sealing tightly around the teeth to protect them from damaging oral bacteria. Your smile will look healthy again, and you can eat and drink with less sensitivity.

The Connective Tissue Grafting Procedure

CTG, connective tissue grafting, is a procedure to correct gum recession, transferring good tissue from your palate to the area of recession. It provided predictable, lasting treatment for gum recession. This solution gives the best long-term results from a variety of recession options. Your dentist will always choose the least invasive procedure that gives you the desired results, but there are still situations when traditional gum grafting is necessary using a CTG. When your gum tissue is genetically very thin, a CTG approach is best. Other options, such as the Pinhole treatment, might not be as effective with thin gum tissue.

Three types of gum tissue grafts are usually used. Which type is best will depend on your specific needs. The graft procedures include:

1. Connective-tissue grafts.
2. Free gingival grafts.
3. Pedicle grafts.

CTG is the most common treatment for root exposure. A tiny flap of skin is cut on the roof of your mouth, and tissue from under the flap, called subepithelial connective tissue, is removed and sutured to the gum tissue around the exposed root. After the connective tissue, or the graft, has been removed from under the palatal flap, the flap is then sutured back down.

Recovery From Gum Tissue Graft

You will go home following your procedure. If your dentist has given you a sedative to help you relax, you will need to have someone drive you home.

Your dental team will give you instructions regarding your postoperative care, such as your diet, physical activity, and medications. You cannot floss or brush the gum line that was repaired until it is fully healed. You will rinse your mouth with a mouthwash to control plaque during the healing process, and you may be put on an antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection.

For several weeks after the gum graft, you will eat softer foods.

The level of discomfort you may have after surgery depends on the version of graft performed. If tissue is not taken from your palate, you will have very little discomfort. If the tissue is removed from your palate, you can be uncomfortable for a few days. The sutures on the roof of your mouth can feel like a major pizza burn, but they will heal quickly. Over-the-counter pain medication helps keep you comfortable following surgery.