Mucogingival Surgery
Mucogingival surgery encompasses a set of techniques used to correct the quantity and quality of soft tissues in the areas surrounding teeth and implants.
But, what is mucogingival surgery?
Mucogingival surgery is the recommended procedure for those who experience ‘long teeth’—a common term for cases where the patient presents with gum recession around one or more teeth, whether natural or implanted. This recession compromises dental harmony by leaving the tooth root exposed.
These cases of tooth exposure can stem from various causes, including poor quality gum tissue, prominent frenulums, aging, bacterial plaque accumulation, or trauma from aggressive tooth brushing. This causes not only an aesthetic concern but also severe oral health consequences, such as hypersensitivity, root cavities, and ultimately, tooth loss.
Fill out the contact form if you need to book an appointment at our dental clinic in Valencia:
What does this treatment consist of?
These types of techniques can be considered the plastic surgery of the gums, as they involve modifying the gingival shape—either by adding tissue where it is lacking or removing it where there is an excess.
Some indications for this type of surgery include the coverage of exposed roots (recessions), the exposure of ‘short’ teeth that have not fully erupted spontaneously (crown lengthening), or improving the quality of the gum tissue around dental implants to prevent or treat peri-implant infections.
Among the techniques most commonly used by specialists are free gingival grafts, subepithelial connective tissue grafts, various types of partial- or full-thickness flaps, combinations of grafts and membranes, or gingivectomies.
The success of mucogingival surgery depends on the execution of an excellent surgical technique, a thorough prior diagnosis during evaluation, and the elimination or reduction of harmful habits by the patient—particularly smoking.
Why undergo mucogingival surgery?
Mucogingival surgery is indicated for patients where a recession of the gum margin leaves part of the root exposed. Through a straightforward procedure, it is possible to cover it, fully or partially restoring the lost tissue and, most importantly, stopping the gum from receding further and worsening the problem.
Mucogingival surgery also serves to increase the width and thickness of the gum tissue to establish a vestibular depth that allows for effective bacterial plaque control, thereby preventing periodontal disease or a dental implant infection. This procedure will be implemented by the specialist following a rigorous evaluation.
Mucogingival surgery may also be indicated for patients who undergo a tooth extraction followed by bone resorption. It compensates for part of the bone loss and maintains the aesthetics of the gingival tissues and papillae, reducing the need for bone grafts. For this reason, it is common practice to perform gum grafts when placing dental implants in the anterior region of the maxilla, where aesthetic demands are at their highest.
Another common indication for mucogingival surgery is crown lengthening. This is applied in cases where teeth appear short because they have not fully erupted (altered passive eruption), as well as to restore fractured or decayed teeth that can still be rehabilitated by removing part of the surrounding gum tissue.
Advantages of mucogingival surgery
Mucogingival surgery offers two major advantages: the first is that it immediately improves post-surgical oral aesthetics. In other words, following the application of these surgical techniques, the patient’s appearance is significantly enhanced.
The second advantage is that it provides protection to the tooth or implant affected by the gum defect, resolving the underlying oral health issue.
At our dental clinic in Valencia, we boast the finest team of periodontists in the city. This allows us to treat even the most complex cases with excellent outcomes. Would you like to discuss your case with a specialist? Reach out to us using our contact form—we would be delighted to help you.
Book your appointment for mucogingival surgery in Valencia
At the IDIM Institute of Implantology, led by the Peñarrocha doctors, we don’t just care for your smile—we provide effective solutions, backed by our extensive experience and dedication.
With over 30 years of specialization in dental implantology, we apply advanced techniques and cutting-edge technology to ensure the best results for our patients.
Fill out the following form and book your appointment for mucogingival surgery in Valencia with no obligation.
+34 963 34 46 75