Periodontology

Enlargement of the Zone of Attached Gingiva

The attached gingiva is the part of the gingiva that attaches directly to the bone. If this zone is too narrow, and at the same time, other unfavorable conditions, such as poor hygiene or injuries occur, the periodontal tissues around the tooth may be lost.

Indications for surgery

Indications for the augmentation of the attached gingiva, that is, the widening of this zone are:

• the pulling and detaching of the gingiva from the teeth with an incorrect frenulum attachment
• a thin gingival phenotype with an increased risk of recession,
• the need for orthodontic treatment with the risk of tooth root exposure

The procedure

Gingival augmentation involves taking the epithelial-connective tissue graft from the donor site and placing it in the recipient site. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and consists of making an incision along the muco-gingival border, i.e. the place where the gingiva changes into the mucous membrane of the lips. Next, the prepared flap is placed below the incision line, where it is stabilized with sutures. The donor site is most often the mucous membrane of the palate, from which a piece of tissue is cut out, then placed in the recipient site and sutured. The wound on the palate is covered with a thermoplastic palatal plate prepared in the laboratory before the procedure.

Post-treatment instructions

Post-treatment instructions are:

• to avoid hot foods,
• to consume a semi-liquid diet,
• careful oral hygiene of the operated area with the use of antibacterial mouthwashes
• an absolute ban on smoking during the healing period

In case of pain after the procedure, the patient may take painkillers recommended by the doctor, and use cold compresses in case of swelling. The sutures are removed after 7-10 days.