As a result of periodontitis – or caused by incorrect brushing or grinding of teeth – the gums may recede, exposing the necks of the teeth. This can be perceived as unattractive for those affected, but the exposed tooth necks are also sensitive to pain – and the risk of caries formation increases.
In our practice, we can perform a mucous membrane transplant, through which the gums are restored. In addition, we have the possibility to promote wound healing and the ingrowth of the inserted mucosa in a holistic way, thus achieving the best possible treatment results.
What is a mucous membrane transplant?
If the gums recede strongly, the tooth necks are exposed, which can lead to the teeth becoming much more sensitive and painful. Many of those affected also find the resulting aesthetics disturbing.
After a successful and completed periodontosis treatment, there is the possibility of a mucous membrane transplantation to restore the receding gums on the affected teeth. In a mucosal transplantation – also called recession coverage – oral mucosa is removed from a suitable region, such as the soft palate, in an outpatient surgical procedure. This is then used as a graft to cover the affected region. The graft is glued or sutured to the affected area. The resulting wound on the palate is treated and covered with a plate so that it can heal at rest. The graft will then heal for a few weeks at the inserted site.
Healing of the transplant can only be successful if the oral cavity is free of caries, which is why a completed periodontal treatment is essential before the mucous membrane transplantation.
What is the exact procedure for a mucosal transplant?
In the first step, a detailed diagnosis is made and the procedure is discussed in detail in a personal consultation with Dr. med. Thomas Franke. For the diagnosis, the sighting of the gums is sufficient.
If a mucous membrane transplant is sensible and necessary, it will be carried out in a surgical procedure on an outpatient basis in our practice in Berlin Charlottenburg.
Pain is eliminated directly before the operation. This is usually achieved by local anaesthesia, but deep sleep or general anaesthesia is also possible. The choice of the form of anaesthesia is discussed individually with our patients. Dr. Franke provides detailed advice and is also happy to address any wishes or fears that may exist.
If the pain elimination works reliably, the operation can begin. For this, a suitable piece of oral mucosa is first removed from another part of the oral cavity. In most cases, the palate is the best choice here, but it is also possible to remove tissue from a neighbouring healthy tooth. If a graft is removed from the palate, the resulting wound is covered with a plate so that it can heal quickly. If tissue is removed from the neighbouring tooth, the wound is treated with medication and can then heal in the days following the procedure.
The healing of these resulting wounds is usually fast and unproblematic.
The removed graft is placed on the area where the gums have receded and is either glued or sutured with the finest suture material.
In our practice we also offer the possibility of treating the wounds with the PRP autologous blood procedure
PRP stands for platelet rich plasma (also called PRP for short) and is a proven and highly modern method for promoting wound healing. The PRP is obtained from the patient’s own blood and the concentrate obtained by centrifugation is introduced locally into the tissue in question, where it supports and accelerates wound healing.
Usually, the implant is fused with the gums after a few weeks.
Is a mucous membrane transplant painful?
The procedure itself is performed with complete elimination of pain, so that patients do not feel any pain. Moderate pain may occur in the first days after the procedure. We therefore provide our patients with appropriate painkillers for this purpose.