Receding gum treatments can help those of us who have already developed this common condition. One of the most often used ways to treat a receding gum is a special surgical procedure, such as periodontal plastic surgery (also known as gingival graft or gum graft). There are many types of gum graft surgeries, including: free gum graft, subepithelial connective tissue gum graft, acellular dermal matrix graft, and lateral pedicle graft (pedicle graft). Each of these surgeries works its own way, and has its own distinct aspects, including rate of success, and so on.

Free gum graft consists of removing a tissue layer from the top part of the mouth (mouth palate), and then relocating it to the spot of recession. This layer is stitched in the required location starting to serve as a protection for the exposed roots. This type of procedure is commonly used to repair the sites with thin tissue on the gum lines.

Subepithelial (located under the epithelium) connective tissue gum graft consists of taking tissue from underneath of the healthy gum tissue, and placing it at the zone of recession. This method is known to have more successful and predictable results, as well as it’s known to be less painful in comparison to the free gum graft, making this particular procedure one of the most common ones when the exposed roots need to be covered.

Acellular dermal matrix grafts use donated processed human tissue as their graft source. This procedure is believed to be less successful by some periodontists, since the donor’s tissue is not native to the receiver’s tissue.

Lateral pedicle gum graft (pedicle graft) uses the tissue from a site that is located next to the damaged gum line. This type of procedure will not fit people who do not have sufficient tissue on their gums. Moreover, since this method involves cutting away the transplant tissue and rotating it over the affected area, it can also result in the receding of the donor area in the long run.

Surgical receding gum treatments are one of the only ways to improve this common condition, as well as to sufficiently slow down its further progression. However, it is very important to remember that even after a surgical gum graft procedure, you remain at risk of developing receding gums again. That is why it is essential to start maintaining your own prevention techniques, which include proper oral care (gently brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, every day). Proper dental care will help you to avoid having to undertake another gingival graft in the future.

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