How painful is CTG; connective tissue graft?
One of the huge benefits of Connective Tissue grafts is the reported lack of severe pain from patients. Gum grafts are an essential tool to replace advanced gum recession. However, do to the necessity of blood and tissue surgery, there is typically a good deal of pain associated. With connective tissue grafts, connective tissue is reattached, which forces the top layer of active gum tissue down, and back over the tooth. This connective tissue accesses blood in order to create a healthy ecosystem, but the tissues at the for front are stimulated to heal quickly. Of course, there is some minor pain involved in the incisions and the sutures, but this is often managed with over the counter pain meds.
What conditions require Connective Tissue Grafts?
Connective Tissue Grafts are an excellent and common option when the patient is experiencing severe gum recession. Many patients will experience gum recession at some point in their lives. Gum tissues break down and shrink, slowly moving down the tooth. As this occurs, more tooth is exposed, and eventually so is the root of the tooth. Bacteria in the mouth will begin attacking this vulnerable support structures, leading to tooth loss. The best choice the patients have are to graft tissues over the exposed areas, increase dental hygiene, and wait out the recovery.
What Causes Gum Recession?
1. Infection
2. Poor Hygiene
3. Over Brushing
4. Damage to the jaw, teeth, or gums
5. Gum disease
Gum recession is often the result of bacterial infection, gum disease, or damage to the underlying support structures of the mouth. Many patients will need to reinforce their dedication to dental hygiene before and after grafting procedures. Poor dental hygiene is the most common cause of gum recession, as leftover food particles will become lodged in and around the teeth–decaying an creating space for bacterial growth.
What are the benefits of Connective Tissue Grafts?
Connective tissue grafts put your gum health, and the appearance of your smile, as top priority. CTG procedures allow the top-layer epithelial gum tissues to stay and develop, while the supporting connective layer of tissue underneath adds mass and transforms into a strong support layer.
What is the Process for a CTG procedure?
A layer of connective tissue is sized appropriately to the graft. Then small incision are made in order to place the new connective tissue graft within the layer of the gums. Then sutures or small stabilizing stitches are placed to keep the connective tissue in place. As the connective tissue reattaches, a process called reanastomosis, the top layer of gum tissue is pressed down and around the teeth it supports. The process literally gives life to dying and decayed gum tissues, that would otherwise continue to degrade.
How can you begin the process?
Begin by making an appointment with your dental care team. Get a thorough cleaning and investigate the root causes of gum recession with your doctor. Ask for their advice moving forward and whether or not they think a referral for CTG would be good for your needs.