Jack E. Wasserstein, DDS, Inc. » gingival recession

Gum graft with simultaneous root coverage

Jack Wasserstein, DDS — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 06:58:50 +0000

In this case, we are adding a new method to the standard procedure by advancing the gingival collar coronally to cover the root surface at the same time we are adding the graft to increase the zone of attached gingiva. Note the difference in root coverage before and just one week after the procedure.

Placing the graft directly over the root surfaces at the time of surgery typically doesn’t work, as there is no blood supply to nourish the graft over the root surfaces.

With this technique, the gingival collar that we are advancing maintains its blood supply from the adjacent gingival papillae, and is supported in its new position by the donor tissue.

Gingingival graft with simultaneous root coverage

Jack Wasserstein, DDS — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:27:58 +0000

Placing the graft directly over the root surfaces at the time of surgery typically doesn’t work, as there is no blood supply to nourish the graft over the root surfaces.

With this technique, the gingival collar that we are advancing maintains its blood supply from the adjacent gingival papillae, and is supported in its new position by the donor tissue.

Semilunar graft

Jack Wasserstein, DDS — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:26:31 +0000

This type of graft is used to try to cover an exposed root surface. A moon shaped incision is made in the gingiva. The two corners are left attached. The attached corners allow blood to flow through the graft. The center section of the graft is moved toward the crown of the tooth to cover the root surface. Pressure is applied for four minutes. There must be an adequate zone of attached gingiva prior to performing this procedure, if not a connective tissue graft is done initially. This is a fairly predictable procedure and typically you can achieve root coverage up to the height of the adjacent gum papillae. This series of pictures shows images from start to two weeks post operatively.