Dentistry/gum grafts

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Expert: - 9/26/2006


Question
I was just informed by my perodontist that I would need a gum graft for one tooth. What is involved? and will I be numbed up for the procedure? How long will it take? and most importantly will it hurt? Where do they get the tissue from? This is all new to me.   Thankyou DR. Zelig for your answer. Tim Day

Answer
Hi Tim,
There are MANY ways of doing a gum graft. Some methods involve using tissue from the roof of your mouth, others involve using tissue from the gum behind your upper back molar tooth. Other methods don't involve taking tissue from other parts of the mouth. In those cases, the gum is gently pulled down to cover the tooth root. Some methods involve the use of cadaver tissue, while other metods use a certain type of gel called emdogain.
The method that will be used depends on your particular type of recession and also depends on the periodontist's preference.
Regarding pain, I think that the grafts that use tissue from the roof of the mouth result in the most post-operative discomfort. The procedures that don't use tissue from other parts of the mouth usually have minimal post-operative discomfort. It is for this reason that I personally am not taking tissue from other parts of the mouth when doing root coverage procedures.
During the procedure you will be numb and comfortable and the procedure should not take too long, maybe 30 minutes.
The bottom line is that there are many different ways to cover a root. The method used depends on the type and extent of your recession and the skill and comfort level of the periodontist. I hope this info helps. Your question is a bit of a "loaded" question.

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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