Periodontal Cosmetic Procedures

Aggressive tooth brushing and periodontal disease are two primary causes for recession and can lead to the following:

• unattractive smile
• root sensitivity
• loss of supporting bone
• tooth decay
• plaque build-up
• risk of future recession

We offer two types of treatment, Soft Tissue Gum Grafting and the AlloDerm™ Regenerative Tissue Matrix (RTM).

Soft Tissue Gum Grafting/Autograft (patient own tissue)

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.

Before and Afters

AlloDerm™ Regenerative Tissue Matrix (RTM)

Healthy gum tissue protects your teeth from periodontal disease and sensitivity while giving you a great smile. Routine dental check-ups along with proper brushing are essential for maintaining healthy gums but some patients may require treatment. Gum recession is sometimes treated by retrieving soft tissue from the roof (palate) of your mouth. However, removing a section of your palate creates pain and discomfort that may not be necessary.

AlloDerm Regenerative Tissue Matrix (RTM)

AlloDerm RTM allows us to restore your smile without retrieving tissue from the palate. AlloDerm RTM can provide a natural outcome and is an alternative to using your own tissue.

What is AlloDerm RTM

AlloDerm RTM is donated tissue that has been processed to remove cells creating a regenerative tissue matrix. Its success in soft tissue treatments is documented by more than 10 years of dental applications and research

Potential benefits of AlloDerm RTM

Thousands of clinicians and patients have made AlloDerm RTM their choice for gum recession due to the following advantages:

• excellent safety profile and predictable alternative to your own tissue
• offers natural outcome
• avoids pain and potential complications associated with removing palatal tissue

AlloDerm RTM Safety

AlloDerm RTM is widely used in the medical and dental fields for plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Since its introduction in 1994, over one million AlloDerm RTM grafts have been successfully placed in various applications.

Donor tissue is extensively screened and tested and then undergoes proprietary processing to ensure that AlloDerm RTM is ready for use in patients.

What to Expect

The site may be covered with a dressing material. Recovery instructions can vary for each patient. Instructions may include but are not limited to:

• limit tooth brushing near site
• avoid chewing near site
• take medications as prescribed:
  • antibiotics
  • pain medication
  • mouth rinse

Before and After

Photos are of actual patients treated by Dr. VanWinkle.