As patients keep their teeth for longer there is a higher incidence of recession of the gingival margin exposing the root surface. This has two main consequences. The first is sensitivity and the second is cosmetic. Additionally, tooth removal can result in severe resorption of the edentulous ridge creating cosmetic concerns around the pontics of bridgework.

There are a number of different ways open to us to cover recession defects involving various periodontal plastic surgery techniques. One of the most common and clinically successful techniques is that of a coronally advanced flap combined with a sub-epithelial connective tissue graft taken from the palate.

The downsides of this procedure are that it involves a second, often very sore, operative site. Secondly if there are multiple recession defects then there may be a limit to how much tissue can be obtained from the palate.

Geitslich have come out with a very interesting product called Mucograft. It consists of a resorbable 3-D porcine collagen matrix that creates a scaffold for new soft tissue to form. It appears to offer us a real alternative to taking soft tissue from the palate making the procedure more comfortable for the patient. Another benefit is that it reduces chair time and hence treatment costs.

If you have patients with recession defects or a lack of soft tissue and who are complaining of sensitivity or cosmetic issues it is now much easier to treat them and they can be referred for these techniques to Ian Peace at Campbell and Peace.

Visit our website at campbellandpeace.com or call us on 0115 9823913 for a referral pack.