What is a Connective Tissue Graft?

A connective tissue graft is a procedure used in orthodontic surgery to repair or replace damaged gum tissue around one or more teeth. The graft tissue is usually taken from the roof of the patient’s own mouth, which gives it a high success rate in being accepted by the surrounding tissue. Though there are medical advantages to receiving a connective tissue graft, it is usually considered to be cosmetic surgery.

A severe case of gum disease may require a connective tissue graft. Gum disease, also called gingivitis, is a common condition marked by inflammation and soreness in the gums. Left untreated, the disease can progress to more severe forms of periodontal disease, in which the gum tissue around the teeth recedes. Periodontitis can eventually lead to loss of bone as well as gum tissue, which can create a number of dental problems in a patient. A connective tissue graft can be used to repair some of the damage caused by gum loss in periodontal disease.

Treatment with a connective tissue graft can repair the appearance of the gums so that evidence of recession is not noticeable. This is largely considered to be a cosmetic procedure, performed more to improve the appearance of the gums than to treat a condition. Despite being thought of as a type of plastic surgery, a connective tissue graft can help decrease soreness due to root exposure and can also prevent cavities from forming on the exposed surfaces of the tooth.

In the connective tissue graft procedure, tissue is usually taken from the roof of the patient’s mouth. Before attaching the graft, the damaged area on the gums needs to be opened and the surface of the gums removed. The graft is then attached with stitches. It usually takes hold within a couple of days. If the graft is going to be rejected, which happens occasionally, the tissue will usually die by the third day. The graft may shrink as it connects to the surrounding gum tissue, so most surgeons will graft a larger section onto the gums than what is needed to cover the hole.

Healing after a connective tissue graft occurs relatively quickly. A week after the treatment, the tissue is usually connected to the surrounding gum tissue, and after a month, the healing is usually complete. The area that the graft is taken from on the roof of the mouth also heals quickly, usually at about the same rate as the graft.