When recession of the gums occur, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. If you suffer from receding gums, your oral health, dental comfort, and the attractiveness of your smile are all at risk. When a receding gum line is left untreated, periodontal disease and bone loss can conspire to weaken the foundation of your smile. Also, the exposed tooth roots are very sensitive to hot and cold foods, are prone to developing cavities, and result in an unsightly appearance of the tooth and gums.

Before After
Before After
Before After

Most patients have a receding gum line because of periodontal (jaw bone) disease. Other causes include misaligned teeth, genetics or excessive teeth clenching and grinding. When gum recession is a problem gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an option. Gum grafting is a relatively common option for improving the appearance of a smile. It is also useful in addressing a number of dental conditions such as excessive tooth sensitivity and tooth abrasion.

In the past gum grafting was performed by taking tissue from another part of your mouth, usually the palate.

Old Gum Grafting
Unsightly appearance after
gum grafting using traditional methods.
 

This procedure was often painful, & resulted in less than perfect root coverage and appearance. Studying under Dr. Edward P. Allen, one of the world’s most recognized teachers of periodontal surgery, Dr. Babin is pleased to offer his patients an alternative to the traditional gum grafting surgery, using AlloDerm®.

AlloDerm® is a dental matrix that allows Dr. Babin to predictably give you the gum graft you need without the pain and limitations associated with harvesting the tissue from elsewhere in your mouth. The damaged and receding tissue is restored to health, with great cosmetic results. Besides its use in dental applications, AlloDerm® has been used extensively in burn reconstruction and various plastic surgery procedures.



Most patients prefer using AlloDerm® for the following reasons:

  • To avoid having a second surgical wound on the palate to harvest tissue
  • More than one or two teeth can be treated. In fact, the entire mouth can be grafted in two surgical appointments
  • At the time of surgery, AlloDerm® can be trimmed and fitted to meet your specific needs and this improves the long-term success of gingival grafting
  • When many teeth are involved, fewer appointments are needed and this can be a considerable time and financial benefit

Links:

Bio Horizons – Gum Regeneration

LifeCell Tissue Matrices

 

Contact us today in Victoria, (Vancouver Island) B.C. to learn more about how our dentist, Dr, David Babin, may help you achieve the beautiful, white, even smile you've always wanted!