Difference between an FGG and CTG?
Why is gum grafting a treatment for receding gums?
When gingival recession is not severe, this problem can correct itself spontaneously when the aggressions stop happening. However, when retraction becomes chronic, one of the possible treatments is gum grafting. Gum grafting consists of adding a small piece of tissue to that part where there is a lot of tooth exposure. This grafted tissue heals along the gum site and makes it bigger, covering the tooth properly.
What is a gum graft?
In a gum graft procedure, the periodontist (a dentist that specializes in gums and the prevention of gum disease) places a piece of collected or donor tissue in the patient’s mouth where the gum has receded. It is a relatively minor surgery, though it requires some care before and after to ensure the success of the treatment.
An FGG is known as a “Free Gingival Gum” Graft and is slightly different than a CTG, or “Connective Tissue Graft.” A connective tissue graft is a graft that is done using tissue that is not the outer most layer (or epithelial) of skin, but rather, the connective layer underneath the top layer of skin. Free gingival grafts offer more precise gum enhancement treatment. This type of surgery helps patients with thinning or receding gums but relies on using less and thinner donor tissue.
What is gum recession?
Gingival recession is a dental condition in which the gum recedes and becomes too short to satisfactorily cover the sensitive parts of the tooth. This shortening leaves the tooth root in contact with the external environment and causes, among other problems, tooth sensitivity. The gum provides important protection for this most sensitive part of the tooth, preventing the root, which is more porous than the enamel, from being attacked. But when the gum itself is attacked, it gradually becomes shorter, as a
What causes gum recession?
Gum recession can be caused by oral habits and other issues or problems. Below, we will outline some of these problems.
Excess force in brushing
A lot of people still believe that you have to put strength when brushing your teeth so that the bacterial plate is removed, but that's not true. It comes off easily, so we can make smooth and delicate movements. Incidentally, this is essential to prevent gum retraction.
Common gum injuries
Other types of aggression, in addition to those caused by brushing and toothbrushing, can also cause gingival recession. This can happen, for example, because of the habit of tooth picking or when we floss incorrectly. Biting hard objects, using your teeth as a tool and even biting your nails are habits that can injure your gums. Thus, if these aggressions happen frequently, the tissue ends up receding.
Use of braces or prosthesis
Orthodontic appliances and dentures need to be adjusted to fit perfectly in the mouth. When these devices are misadjusted, they can harm the gums.
Gum inflammation
The inflamed gum tends to be retracted. Therefore, cases of gingivitis and periodontitis must be treated to avoid this problem and other negative consequences that inflammation causes. Periodontitis is even more worrying because it affects deeper tissues that support the teeth. In addition to making the gum recede, this oral disease causes your gums to detach from the teeth, forming a space between the gum and tooth root. This increases the susceptibility of problems at the root, not to mention the discomfort and pain it causes.