To understand grafts, it is important to have an idea of the anatomy
of the tooth and its supporting structures.
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A healthy tooth is surrounded by two types of gum tissue.
The attached tissue (1), a leather-like solid tissue bound
to the jaw and tooth. A minimum amount of attached tissue is crucial
for the stability of your gums.
A loose fragile tissue, called mucosa (2), which is not
bound to the tooth or the jaw.
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When the attached tissue is very thin (1), the area becomes more
susceptible to breakdown.
Brushing too hard in this area may sometime speed up the breakdown.
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Gum tissue breakdown, called recession,
results in exposure of the root surface.
This process can be progressive and gradually expose more root
surface.
Severe recessions can jeopardize the long term survival of the
tooth.
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The recessions can create areas that are difficult to clean. If
the areas are not brushed properly, plaque deposits will cause gingivitis.
Gingivitis can speed up the breakdown in the area.
These areas can also be more sensitive to cold.
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Untreated progressive recessions can lead to tooth
loss.
