Gum (gingival) grafting is performed to replace lost soft tissue as a result of recession. Gum recession can occur due to thin weak gums, aggressive tooth brushing, misuse of oral hygiene aids (toothpicks etc.) poorly aligned teeth and tooth grinding/clenching. Sometimes gums can recede after orthodontic treatment. Fortunately, lost gum tissue can be successfully replaced using simple gum grafting techniques. Most of the time the patients own gum tissue taken from another area of the mouth can be used as a donor.

Patient 1
Photos are of actual patients treated by Dr. VanWinkle.

Patient 2