As was mentioned in the article «Gum Problems that Affect the Smile: Can They Be Treated?», recession of the gums is the retreat of the gums that leads to exposure of the tooth. Coverage of the exposed root is carried out microsurgically, usually by placing a gingival graft taken from the palate.
Below is a series of images showing the result of healing. The patient came to the practice with recession on a lower central incisor, caused by the high attachment of the frenum and by the strong orthodontic forces that had been applied. The patient is 34 years old and does not smoke. She was given oral hygiene instructions, so as not to traumatise the gum in the area any further, and the treatment plan was presented to her. Because of the extensive recession and the lack of an adequate width of keratinised tissue (that is, tissue of sufficient width and thickness below - apical to - the recession), it was decided that root coverage would be carried out in two stages: 1) first we would place a graft from the palate (a free gingival graft) in order to thicken the tissues, and 2) after 6-8 weeks we would «draw the new firm tissue upwards» (coronally advanced flap with simultaneous placement of a connective tissue graft). Image 1 shows the initial situation, as the patient presented at the practice. Image 2 shows the healing 6 weeks after the 1st procedure, and image 3 the final result, 2 months after the 2nd procedure.
Image 1: initial situation
Image 2: before the 2nd procedure
Image 3: final result
