Vertical Translation & Soft Tissue Grafting

When gums recede and expose teeth roots, a patient may experience sensitivity to temperature fluctuations. In addition, exposed teeth roots are not attractive. Receding gums may result from aggressive tooth brushing, gum disease, tobacco use, and other factors. If left untreated, gums can continue to recede, and teeth could loosen, then fall out.

Dr. Robertson offers traditional soft tissue grafting, both with the patient's own tissue or from a tissue bank. While soft tissue grafting is a respected and effective procedure to restore lost gum tissue, it can be rather invasive. Autogenous grafts are best, and to harvest the grafts, we take tissue from the roof of the patient's mouth. This tissue is moved to the recession site and stitched in place. The patient then has two surgical sites that must heal. Donor tissue works well, but there is more of a chance for rejection when the grafting tissue does not come from the patient.

Dr. Robertson is proud to offer a new, conservative procedure that requires no grafting. Vertical translation is a procedure in which Dr. Robertson scores the underside of gum tissue at the recession site, then stretches it and sutures it in place. The tissue naturally grows and covers the recession site. No tissue is required from a donor site or a donor bank!

If you have questions about soft tissue grafting or vertical translation, please contact us. Our office is located in Allen, and we serve patients from Plano, Frisco, McKinney, and surrounding areas. Dr. Robertson and Dr. Gray look forward to meeting you and helping you optimize your oral health for a lifetime of smiles.