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Dentistry/Receeding gums

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Expert: - 10/19/2006


Question
I was told there is a procedure to help prevent receding gums by taking grafts of skin from the roof of the mouth and replacing it over the existing receding gum. Is this considered a cosmetic surgery? Where can this procedure be done and by whom, and what is the success rate and healing time? Also do most insurances cover this procedure? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Loraine,
The gum grafts you are speaking of are done to correct gum recession, not prevent it. 30 years ago, these procedures were routinely done to prevent recession, but today it is usually only done to correct recession. If you have recession that is getting worse, or the exposed tooth roots are sensitive, or it is unesthetic, you should consider the procedure. Some dental insurances cover it others don't. You have to check with your insurance company. Very often, the insurance companies require a letter from the periodontist stating the reasons for the procedure. Gum grafts, in my opinion, are best handled by periodontists. They are specialists in treating this sort of problem. There are many ways to cover an exposed tooth root with gum. Some methods use tissue from other parts of the mouth, others use tissue from next to the area of the recession where the adjacent tissue is "moved" to cover the roots. If done well, by an experienced individual, the results can be fabulous!
I hope this information helps. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me again.

Best of Luck,
Joseph Zelig, DDS
www.smileinthecity.com

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Joseph Zelig, DDS, D.ABP www.smileinthecity.com

Expertise

Dr. Zelig is a board-certified Periodontist and an expert on dental implants. Dr. Zelig can answer any and all questions you have about complex dental problems, dental implants, gum disease, treatment of gum recession, and treatment of a "gummy smile".

Experience

Dr. Zelig has personally placed over a thousand implants with excellent success and has worked with many dental specialists and educated them on full mouth reconstruction, esthetic dentistry, and dental implantology.

Organizations
American Dental Associateion, American Academy of Periodontology, American Board of Periodontology, North-Eastern Society of Periodontitis, New York State Dental Association, New York County Dental Society

Education/Credentials
I received both my dental degree (DDS) and my certificate in the specialty of Periodontics from New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Zelig graduated among the top 10% of the graduating class. As a result of outstanding academic achievements, Dr. Z was elected into the membership of Omicron Kappa Upsilon- the national dental honor society. In addition, Dr. Zelig has lectured to general dentists and specialists on periodontal treatment and dental implants. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology which recognizes periodontists who have made significant achievements beyond the educational requirements of the specialty. Board-certified periodontists have been examined by a panel of internationally respected peers and has been awarded Diplomate status. By successfully completing this challenge, Dr. Zelig has demonstrated a robust knowledge of periodontics, Continued professional development, Critical review of results of therapy, and interest in providing the best, most up-to-date care.

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