How painful is CTG?
Connective tissue grafts, commonly referred to as CTG, were developed to treat receding gums and address the aesthetic and functional concerns that can arise when tooth roots become exposed to the elements. The gums are designed to serve a protective role, shielding the teeth from invasive bacteria and insulating them from temperature extremes and other irritants. When gum tissue recedes or is unusually thin, tissue grafts can reinforce and replenish it, thereby restoring the appearance of the smile, protecting the teeth, and improving the overall health of the oral cavity. Some grafts rely on epithelial tissue, which is the outermost surface layer of tissue, which is harvested from the patient’s palate and sutured in place over the affected areas of gum tissue. Connective tissue grafts differ from these epithelial tissue grafts, in that they harvest deeper connective tissues from the palate and graft them under the epithelial tissues at the surface of the graft site.
Connective tissue grafts have some distinct advantages over epithelial tissue grafts. Because the connective tissue that is harvested from the palate is rich with blood vessels, it reattaches effectively to other live tissue and remains vital when used to protect an exposed root surface. Once the connective tissue has been harvested, it is placed under a gingival flap that is then sutured shut, immediately reestablishing diminished gum height. As the CTG heals, the connective tissue develops an attachment with dental cementum and periodontal fibers, restoring support for the tooth root and stability for the tooth. The outermost epithelial tissues will also absorb the characteristics of the healthy connective tissues placed beneath them, gradually restoring the full function and healthy appearance of the gums.
It’s common to feel some discomfort for the first few days following a connective tissue graft, both at the harvest site and at the graft site. Patients report that this discomfort is comparable to the discomfort of burning the roof of the mouth, subsides quickly, and can be effectively managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs and applications of alternating ice and warm compresses. If you experience prolonged or persistent bleeding, pain, swelling, or bruising following a connective tissue graft, lasting more than a few days, contact your periodontist.
In addition to establishing healthy, sturdy support and defense for the teeth, connective tissue grafts achieve aesthetically superior results. By tucking the connective tissue into a flap of gum tissue, rather than suturing epithelial tissue on top of the gums, the color of the gums remains consistent and their appearance stays cohesive; the graft blends seamlessly with the existing gum tissue, and it can be difficult, if not impossible, to look at the area and tell that a tissue graft even took place. Of course, the benefits of a connective tissue graft are evident even though the graft site itself is nearly invisible, and the continued comfort and confidence provided by healthy, robust gum tissue and an even gum line can’t be underestimated. You’ll still need to do your part to maintain your oral health following connective tissue grafts, but you can take comfort in the fact that your revitalized gum tissue is helping keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright and confident.