What is a Periodontics CTG?
CTG, or a connective tissue graft, is a gum grafting technique used when there is gum recession exposing roots, thin gums or visual concerns from darker colored roots.
This technique has the best aesthetic outcome because the graft is placed underneath existing gum, so the color matches the surrounding tissues. This technique also obtains the best root coverage. The connective tissue graft is usually taken from the roof of the mouth and can be used alone or with regenerative biologics like platelet-rich fibrin or amelogenin protein.
Benefits of Connective Tissue Grafting
The grafting procedure usually takes about an hour and when healed, your gums will look healthy and will be stronger than they were. Your gum tissues will seal tightly around the teeth to protect them from harmful oral bacteria. Your smile will look much healthier, and you will be able to eat and drink with less sensitivity.
The Connective Tissue Grafting Procedure
CTG, connective tissue grafting, is a treatment to correct gum recession that transfers good tissue from your palate to the area of recession. It provided predictable, lasting treatment of gum recession. This solution gives the best long-term results among a variety of recession situations. Your dentist will always try to choose the least invasive procedure that will give you the desired results, but there are still cases where traditional gum grafting is necessary using a CTG. When the gum tissue is genetically very thin, a CTG approach is best. Other options such as the Pinhole treatment may not be effective with thin gum tissue.
Three types of gum tissue grafts are usually performed. Which type is used will depend on your specific needs. The graft procedures include:
- Connective-tissue grafts.
- Free gingival grafts.
- Pedicle grafts.
CTG is the most common treatment used to treat root exposure. A flap of skin is cut at the roof of your mouth and tissue from under the flap, called subepithelial connective tissue, is removed and stitched to the gum tissue around the exposed root. After the connective tissue, the graft, has been removed from under the palatal flap, the flap is then stitched back down.
Recovery From Gum Tissue Graft
You will be go home following your procedure. If your dentist gives you a sedative to help you relax, you will need to have someone else drive you home.
Your dentist will give instructions regarding your postoperative care, such as your diet, physical activity, and medications. You will not floss or brush the gum line that was repaired until they are fully healed. You will rinse your mouth with a mouthwash to help control plaque during the healing process, and you might be put on an antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection.
For a week or two following the gum graft you will eat softer foods.
The amount of discomfort you have after surgery depends on the type of graft performed. If no tissue was removed from your palate, you will have very little discomfort. If the tissue is removed from your palate, you might be uncomfortable for a few days. The sutures on the roof of your mouth might feel like a major pizza burn, but it will heal quickly. Over-the-counter pain medication will help keep you comfortable following surgery.