When treating gum recession, the key is to treat it early, before bone loss can occur. Contact us today for a consultation about gum recession treatment.
Rebuild your gum line comfortably and predictably—without the palatal donor site. At Pinnacle Center – Dental Implants & Periodontics in Pittsburgh, board‑certified periodontists Dr. Katherine L. Roll and Dr. Kelly B. Williams use AlloDerm® to restore lost gum tissue, shield exposed roots, and preserve your natural smile for life.
Understanding Gum Recession
Gingival recession occurs when the protective gum margin migrates downward (or upward along the lower arch), uncovering porous root surfaces. It is far more than a cosmetic worry—recession can threaten the long‑term stability of your teeth and dental implants. Common causes include:
- Aggressive brushing or hard‑bristled toothbrushes
- Periodontal disease that destroys the bone supporting the gums
- Malocclusion or teeth grinding (bruxism) that exerts excess force on the gum line
- Thin or fragile gum phenotype inherited genetically
- Tobacco use, which compromises tissue blood flow
- Orthodontic movement beyond the bony envelope
- Lip or tongue piercings that repeatedly traumatize the tissue
Because root dentin is softer than enamel, exposed roots wear away quickly, collect plaque more readily, and develop decay at a rate up to ten times faster than enamel. Sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet foods often follows.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Recession rarely reverses on its own. As the gums retreat, the underlying interproximal bone can resorb as well. Once bone height drops, grafting procedures cannot reliably position the tissue back to the natural cemento‑enamel junction (CEJ). Early treatment therefore accomplishes three objectives:
- Stops further tissue loss before it encroaches on the bite‑critical papillae.
- Prevents tooth sensitivity and root caries, safeguarding long‑term oral health.
- Improves smile aesthetics by re‑establishing harmonious gingival contours.
AlloDerm®: The Science Behind the Graft
AlloDerm® is an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) derived from donated human tissue. A gentle proprietary process removes all living cells while preserving the three‑dimensional scaffold of collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and basement‑membrane proteins. Once placed beneath your gum margins, this natural framework is repopulated by your own blood vessels and fibroblasts, transforming the graft into living tissue that behaves like native gum.
Key Advantages Over Palatal Connective‑Tissue Grafts
| Traditional Autograft | AlloDerm® Graft |
|---|---|
| Requires harvesting tissue from the roof of the mouth | No secondary surgical site—less postoperative pain |
| Donor tissue volume is limited | Ample graft size—treat several teeth in one session |
| Risk of palatal bleeding or numbness | Minimal complications and shorter chair time |
| May need multiple surgeries to cover multiple recessions | One visit for widespread coverage |
| Similar long-term stability | Comparable or improved stability, backed by studies |
Proven Safety Record
- Tissue is recovered only from AATB‑accredited, FDA‑regulated tissue banks.
- Donors undergo comprehensive medical, social, and serological screening for HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, and other transmissible diseases.
- Over 750,000 AlloDerm® grafts have been placed in dentistry with no documented disease transmission.
Step‑by‑Step: Your AlloDerm® Experience at Pinnacle Center
- Comprehensive Evaluation – We use high‑resolution intra‑oral photography and CBCT imaging to measure recession depth and bone levels. Digital scans allow precise treatment planning and side‑by‑side progress comparisons.
- Personalized Care Plan – Dr. Roll or Dr. Williams explains your options, reviews medical conditions, and recommends adjunctive therapies such as occlusal guard fabrication for grinders.
- Comfort‑Focused Procedure – Local anesthesia numbs the area thoroughly. For anxious patients, oral conscious sedation or nitrous oxide is available to create a calm, pain‑free experience.
- Root Surface Conditioning – Meticulous scaling removes plaque and toxins; a mild conditioning solution may be applied to enhance graft attachment.
- Precise Graft Placement – A small pouch is gently created. AlloDerm® is trimmed to the ideal thickness and slid under the gum edge, then secured with micro‑sutures. The graft instantly provides root coverage and bulk.
- Post‑Operative Support – You will leave with written instructions, a custom ultra‑soft toothbrush, and access to our on‑call doctor should concerns arise.
- Follow‑Up & Maintenance – We monitor healing at one‑week and one‑month visits, then integrate grafted areas into your routine periodontal maintenance schedule.
Most patients resume everyday activities within 24 hours, reporting only minor soreness easily managed with OTC analgesics.
Recovery, Results, and Longevity
Within the first two weeks, blood supply penetrates the graft, turning it from white to the healthy pink color of surrounding tissue. By 8–12 weeks the site is fully integrated. Long‑term studies show AlloDerm® maintains thickness and height more predictably than traditional autografts, especially in people with thin gum biotypes.
Benefits you will notice:
- Dramatic reduction or elimination of root sensitivity
- A smoother, more symmetrical gum line that frames your teeth attractively
- Better protection against abrasion and decay on delicate root surfaces
- Greater confidence when smiling, laughing, or brushing
Maintenance is simple: brush with a soft‑bristled brush, floss daily, wear any prescribed night‑guard, and keep regular professional cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my appointment take?
A single‑tooth graft may require 45–60 minutes; multiple‑tooth cases can take 90 minutes to two hours. Much of the time depends on the number of areas being treated.
What is the success rate?
Peer‑reviewed studies report root‑coverage success rates of 92–98 percent when AlloDerm® is placed by experienced periodontists and patients follow postoperative instructions.
Will my insurance cover gum grafting?
Many PPO dental plans provide benefits for grafting to treat sensitivity or prevent further recession. Our insurance coordinators will obtain a pre‑determination and help you estimate out‑of‑pocket costs.
Can I combine AlloDerm® with other periodontal or implant procedures?
Yes. In many full‑mouth rehabilitation cases we stage AlloDerm® grafting alongside crown lengthening, implant placement, or ridge augmentation to minimize downtime and appointments.
Ready to Protect Your Smile?
Recession never improves on its own—but you can stop it in its tracks today. Request an appointment with Pinnacle Center – Dental Implants & Periodontics to learn whether AlloDerm® gum‑grafting is right for you. We look forward to welcoming you to our state‑of‑the‑art Pittsburgh practice and guiding you toward healthier, more resilient gums.
