Soft-Tissue Grafting: Procedure and Types

For teeth that have suffered severe decay, our dentists may recommend a soft-tissue grafting procedure. This treatment can be used to reduce the likelihood of extraction and to help create a healthier smile. Our dentists in Modesto, CA, at All Smile Dental, can carefully examine your teeth to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure.

When you suffer from significant tooth decay, your remaining tooth structure can become weak and even brittle. This can lead to an increased risk of additional tooth loss. By performing a soft-tissue graft, we can restore a healthy amount of tissue to your tooth to protect it from further decay. During this process, the healthy gum tissue is removed from another area of the mouth and then stitched over the surface of the affected tooth or teeth. This procedure can be performed on one or more teeth to restore the health and appearance of your smile. At our practice, we offer sedation dentistry in addition to local anesthesia to ensure that you feel relaxed and comfortable during your procedure. Once your procedure is complete, we will go over the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene with you so that you can enjoy the full benefits of this treatment. 

Soft-tissue grafting in Modesto, CA, is a dental treatment that restores the health and structure of the gums. It is typically recommended when a patient suffers from gum recession.

What Are the Different Types of Soft-Tissue Grafting in Modesto, CA?

There are many types of soft tissue grafts in Modesto, CA, including:

Connective-tissue graft: This type of graft is used to replace gum tissue around a tooth that has a large cavity or trauma and is likely to fall out soon anyway. The graft is stitched in place over the damaged area of the gums.

Free gingival graft: This type of graft uses healthy gum material from one part of your mouth to replace the lost gum tissue on another part of your jaw. In this type of graft, the stitches are deep below the gums, so they won’t show at all.

Pedicle graft: An incision is made in the gums in an area where there’s good gum tissue; this is called the donor site. Then, the doctor takes tissue from the roof of the mouth to use as the graft and places it into the area where there’s gum recession.

Subepithelial connective tissue graft: This graft is often used when the roots are affected rather than the crown of the tooth. The doctor will take tissue from the roof of your mouth and use it to cover the exposed root.

Acellular dermal matrix allograft: These grafts use donated human tissue from a cadaver instead of your own tissue. These grafts are often used for patients who have a high risk of rejecting their own tissue because of the medications they’re taking.

When you receive a soft tissue graft, it’s important to follow the post-op instructions given by your dentist to ensure the best possible results. If you have any questions about soft tissue grafting, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist in Modesto, CA, for more information. You can book an appointment with our dentist in Turlock, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 668-3736 or our dentist in Modesto, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 409-8839.