Diagnosis. After a careful oral examination and study of my dental condition, my periodontist has advised me that I have significant gum recession. I understand that with this condition, further recession of the gum may occur. In addition, for fillings at the gumline or crowns with edges under the gumline, it is important to have sufficient width of attached gum to withstand the irritation caused by the fillings or edges. Gum tissue may also be placed to improve appearance and to protect roots of the teeth.
Recommended Treatment. In order to treat this condition, my periodontist has recommended that ridge augmentation (gum grafting) procedures be performed in areas of my mouth with significant gum recession. I understand that sedation may be utilized and that a local anesthetic will be administered to me as part of the treatment. This surgical procedure involves the transplanting of a thin strip of gum from elsewhere in my mouth. The transplanted strip of gum can be placed at the base of the remaining gum, or it can be placed so as to partially cover the tooth root surface exposed by the recession. A periodontal bandage or dressing may be placed.
Expected Benefits. The purpose of ridge augmentation is to create an amount of attached gum tissue adequate to reduce the likelihood of further gum recession. Another purpose for this procedure may be to cover exposed root surfaces, to enhance the appearance of the teeth and gum line, or to prevent or treat root sensitivity or root decay.
Principal Risks and Complications. I understand that a small number of patients do not respond successfully to ridge augmentation. If a transplant is placed so as to partially cover the tooth root surface exposed by the recession the gum placed so as to partially cover the tooth root surface exposed by the recession the gum placed over the root may shrink back during the healing. In such a case, the attempt to cover the exposed root surface may not be completely successful. Indeed, in some cases, it may result in more recession or with increased spacing between the teeth.
I understand that complications may result from ridge augmentation or from anesthetics. These complications include, bar are not limited to (1) post-surgical infection, (2) bleeding, swelling, and pain, (3) facial discoloration, (4) transient or on occasion permanent tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods, (5) allergic reactions, and (6) accidental swallowing of foreign matter. The exact duration of any complications cannot be determined and they may be irreversible