The success of a dental implant depends on many factors. First, the patient needs to be in a good state of health, have good oral hygiene and be a non-smoker. Additionally, there needs to be enough bone to work with at the site of the implant. The bone at the site needs to be in good condition and conducive to retaining the implant. Soft tissue around the implant needs to be of sufficient mass as well. When the gum around the implant is not sufficient, a connective tissue graft may be advised.
The implant needs to have the correct amount of connective tissue to cover it during the healing process. Connective tissue may also be used to hide the metal part of the implant so it does not show through the gingiva once the implant is in place. This dental implant procedure is used to aid in the aesthetics of an implant.
What is a Connective Tissue Graft?
When the root of a tooth is exposed, due to brushing your teeth or some other reason, the root can become more susceptible to decay. A connective tissue graft is essentially a procedure in which connective tissue is removed from another part of the mouth, in many cases the upper palate, and placed over the affected area and sutured in place. Within about a month or so, the graft has healed and the site looks normal with no root exposure.
In the case of dental implants, connective tissue grafts are used to hide the metal part of the implant when there is not enough gingival tissue to cover it. This procedure makes the implant look more like a natural tooth, and it aids in the success of the implant.
Connective tissue grafts have a shorter healing time than bone grafts. A bone graft may take many months to heal, while a connective tissue graft can be completely healed within 30 days. At Ora Dental Implant Studio, we work to ensure that your dental implant will last a long time and look as natural as possible. Book an appointment for an exam and consultation to learn more about dental implants.