2020 SW 27th Avenue
February 25, 2012
My gums have receded on most of my teeth but I’m not sure I want to do gum grafting. My concern is that my dentist says he has to cut into my palate to get the grafts and it might be multiple procedures over many months. Are there any other less painful options for gum grafts?
For gingival improvement grafting, Alloderm is an acellular dermal matrix that is supplied in limitless quantities. It turns a recession case that otherwise would have been a lengthy and painful process into a single visit procedure without any surgery whatsoever on the palate. Not having to perform surgery on the palate means eliminating the greater risk of post operative bleeding and pain associated with the more traditional free gingival graft or sub epithelial connective tissue graft which rely on the roof of the mouth. The results with Alloderm have been documented as consistently successful and my personal experience has been the same having treated recession cases with the material over the last 12 years.
Alloderm:
• Eliminates the need for palatal surgery
• Removes palatal harvesting limitations in cases where grafting can’t be done because of a thin palate or where numerous surgeries would otherwise be necessary to complete the case.
• Reduces patient reluctance to follow through with surgical treatment
• Consistent quality
November 21, 2011
I’m interested in the LANAP procedure and was wondering if you do consultations so that I can learn more about how it works and whether or not it’s right for me.
Yes we do consultations for LANAP on a daily basis. Since we have a multidisciplinary approach to treating periodontal disease it is important to know about contributing factors to your tissue breakdown such as genetics, medical history,smoking, grinding teeth during sleep. etc. We would begin with a dental history discussion with either myself or Dr Lamas. This allows us to understand more about what has led up to your decision to consider LANAP. Many patients are fearful of gum surgery so we compare and contrast traditional periodontal surgery with LANAP during the treatment conference appointment. You would then be escorted to the examination room where we will take your medical history, your blood pressure and perform a comprehensive periodontal exam including intra-oral photos, bacterial testing and necessary films. At that point we would know whether LANAP is a realistic consideration for you. After careful study of your case, a detailed appointment plan would then be formulated and presented at a subsequent treatment conference visit. Despite our many years of experience, we find it very valuable for our patients to understand existing conditions, risks of delaying or not having treatment and have us explain treatment alternatives as well as answer any questions from you, loved ones or even your current dentist.
October 4, 2009
Can bonding fix my receeding gums?
Actually, bonding may play an important role in the treatment of a receding gum line but only after evaluating for the possibility of gingival grafting has been evaluated for. Bonding alone will NOT stop the continued process of recession and will NOT correct the “elongated” tooth appearance that characteristically results from the gingiva receding away. By first providing a sound, biological barrier for root coverage as can be provided through the more advanced grafting procedures, the condition is actually reversed. Some of these techniques can actually be performed without taking tissue from the roof of your mouth.
Because more tissue thickness can result than what was originally present over the root, the likelihood of a complete reoccurrence is significantly reduced. Because gingival grafts are intended to adhere to the root surface of the tooth, notches in the enamel known as abfraction lesions may have to be corrected with a tooth colored bonding procedure in addition to grafting for the best overall result. The best initial step is usually for the patient to visit us for an examination to discuss options as well as realistic expectations as treatment recommendations can vary from case to case.
Dr. Gallardo
