Re: Periodontal plastic surgery in the UK



kh240463@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote: 
Hi,
I would like some advice. I have severe gum recession behind my bottom
front teeth. I've been aware of it for over 1 year and have had little
luck finding help. I've requested that my dentist refer me to a
periodontist, but he seems to be unconcerned and cannot offer any
advice (an NHS dentist fresh out of dentistry school). I've read about
periodontal plastic surgery to remove gum tissue from the mouth roof
and stitch it into the affected areas.

1) Can anyone refer me to independent studies on the subject that
outlines the pros and cons?
2) Most of the sites I've visited seem to be US-based. Do UK
periodonists offer periodontal surgery or similar services?
3) Is it possible to attach gum grafts behind the bottom front teeth.
All of the US sites promote gum grafts as a method of improving your
smile, as opposed to providing real benefits for protecting the bone
structure.

I avoid sugary products and obsessively clean them using a soft brush,
dental sticks, mouth wash and floss, yet plaque always seems to appear
within three months of my previous dentist appointment. I fear the gums
will recede further in the next year and I will loose my bottom teeth.
Not a pleasant experience for someone in their 20s.

If the worse should happen, what options are there for dental implants?


Thanks.

I don't know the availability of mucogingival surgery in the UK. It is pretty common in the states.
Just how much root coverage you can get in a given area of the mouth depends on the particular shape of the defect. Covering root surface is somewhat iffy, esp. if the area is wide. However, at the very least progression of the recession can be slowed or halted.
While tissue can be removed from the roof of the mouth for grafting, there are other procedures such as submucous grafts and sliding pellicle grafts that can accomplish much the same thing in many areas without necessitating a second surgical site.
I don't know that I've ever seen these procedures used behind the lower front teeth, though I can't think of a particular reason why it couldn't be done.

Steve




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