Difference Between an FGG and CTG?
If your oral health has been affected by advanced gum disease, you might benefit from a treatment to regain the health of your gums, even after your dentist eradicates the infection. You could require surgery to restore structure back to your gum tissue. A gum graft is one example of this specific periodontal treatment.
This surgery requires taking tissue from another area of your mouth and adding it to your gums to add stability to the receding area. Depending on your personal case, your periodontist may recommend different versions of this procedure. Following are two types of gum grafts your periodontist can provide and how they both can restore your smile.
Connective Tissue Graft
A common and frequent type of gum graft is the connective tissue graft. It gets its name from the type of tissue graft taken during this procedure. The periodontist will remove tissue from under a flap on the palate of your mouth.
Then this tissue is moved to the problematic area. They stitch the graft into place and close the flap on your palate to finish the surgery.
Periodontists will use this treatment if you are suffering from tooth root exposure following gum disease. This newly grafted tissue will cover these exposed roots. The restoration will eliminate uncomfortable symptoms like tooth sensitivity and help shield the roots from plaque and bacteria.
Free Gingival Graft
A free gingival gum graft is quite like the connective tissue graft. It also moves tissue from the top of your mouth to the gum line to add structure to the area in need. Connective tissue grafts are used if you have major tissue damage from advanced gum disease, while free gingival grafts offer more precise enhancement treatment.
This surgery can help you if you have thinning or receding gums. You can have a more fine-tuned solution to your gum issues with this treatment. The procedure will use a smaller amount of tissue, therefore requiring a smaller flap on the palate. Your periodontist can make tiny changes to your gums. This treatment can offer better cosmetic results.
Both gum grafting procedures are painless due to the use of a local anesthetic. There will be some discomfort in the days after your surgery. How much discomfort you experience can vary by individual and case.
Discomfort after your gum grafting can often be managed with over-the-counter pain medications that help relieve your pain. You can also help prevent irritating the site by not disturbing it, practicing good oral hygiene, and eating soft foods.
Benefits of a Gum Graft
Gum grafting offers a wide range of oral health benefits. Here are just a few:
- Gum grafting will reinforce the tissue around a tooth, both strengthening and stabilizing it.
- The procedure will help protect the area from future gum recession.
- A gum graft will cover the sensitive exposed roots, decreasing the risk of continuous discomfort.
- If gum recession occurs around your front teeth a gum graft can dramatically restore the healthy appearance of your smile.
The success rate for gum grafting treatment is impressively high. With your proper care, a graft can provide lifelong advantages.