SOFT TISSUE GRAFT
If your dentist or periodontist has told you that you need a gum graft, don’t freak out. Gum surgery sounds worse than it is. Gum grafting or gingival grafting may be necessary to save your teeth from the damaging effects of gum recession, or you may choose to have gum grafting to improve the esthetics of your smile.
Gum recession occurs when the tissue surrounding your teeth pulls away from the teeth and exposes more of the tooth or the tooth’s root. Such exposure can cause damage to your tooth-supporting jawbone. Gum recession is a common dental problem that affects up to 12% of adults. Gum recession often goes unnoticed until it’s severe and requires emergency treatment.
Most people don’t even notice that their gums have receded slowly over time. Over time, an exposed tooth root cannot merely look unsightly, it can cause extreme sensitivity to hot or cold foods. If not treated promptly, gum recession eventually leads to tooth loss. But a gum tissue graft can repair the damage and help prevent further dental problems.
There are three different types of gum tissue grafts typically performed. These graft procedures include:
Connective-tissue grafts are the most common method for treating root exposure.
Free gingival grafts are similar to connective-tissue grafts but involve using tissue from the roof of the mouth. This method is used most often in people who have thin gums to begin with and need additional tissue to enlarge the gums.
Pedicle grafts take tissue from the gum near the tooth needing repair using a flap, called a pedicle. This procedure can only be performed if you have plenty of gum tissue near the affected tooth.
Your dentist can tell you which method will work best for you. A gum graft is a dental surgery performed to correct the effects of gum recession. Gum grafting is a quick and relatively simple surgery. Grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue where it has been lost due to excessive gingival recession.
We welcome patients from Goodyear and bordering cities and towns.
About Dr. Ahn
Dr. Chanook David Ahn is a periodontist who specializes in dental implant surgery and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease. Dr. Ahn also specializes in esthetic and functional soft tissue surgeries. His keen judgment and technical skills ensure optimized performance in procedures for each patient. With the respect of his peers and with his reputation for combining his well-proven techniques with the latest advances in dental technology, he is highly sought after as a lecturer and currently teaches dental students at the University of California Los Angeles.
Dr. Chanook David Ahn is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a BS in Biochemistry. He worked at the renowned David Watkin’s AIDS Vaccine Lab and during his time as a research specialist he was published in multiple manuscripts for the Journal of Virology.
After a year in AIDS research, Dr. Ahn attended Tufts University-School of Dental Medicine Boston and graduated in 2013. With his passion for excellence Dr. Ahn completed a 2-year General Practice Residency at Yale – New Haven Hospital as chief resident and was awarded resident of the year. During his training at Yale, having acquired clinical skills and experiencing countless varieties of dental cases, his passion to encompass all aspects of dental health lead him to pursue a specialty in periodontal surgery at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System where he graduated as co-chief resident.
Since 1997, Dr. Ahn has been on numerous international medical volunteer trips to various third-world countries in conjunction with several non-profit groups to places such as South Korea, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Sakhalin, India, and Peru. While Dr. Ahn’s academic background and surgical talents are noteworthy, it is his compassionate dedication to his patients and his passion to provide excellence in care that truly sets him apart.