Mucogingival plastic surgery is the branch of periodontology that treats gum disorders. Around the teeth and implants, the gums may develop recessions or retractions due to improper gum structure, external and internal trauma, or infections. As a result, the surface of the tooth root or the implant can become exposed and infected, which can lead to tooth decay or loss of implants. Consequently, it may be necessary to improve the quality of the gums at any time. As an inert material, implants do not interact with the gums, so they can easily “wear out” and weaken.
Gum recession does not present as a major complaint. The sensitivity of the teeth, the difference in colour, can alert the patient to the problem. Soft tissue surgery is one of the most conservative – aesthetic dental treatments, as it can not only prevent caries, but also present a solution for patients with high aesthetic needs, either alone or as part of a possible complex aesthetic rehabilitation.
The process of gum recession can take years and it is worth intervening while it is still easier to correct. It is not advisable to treat the free root surface with fillings only, because the problem is usually not caused by the tooth but by the gums.
During the procedure, the existing poor quality gums are reinforced with their own tissue and made resistant in the long term. The procedure usually takes an hour and a half, is performed under local anaesthesia and very rarely requires antibiotic follow-up treatment. After treatment, there is usually only discomfort, and the stitches are removed after 10-14 days.
