Minimally Invasive Gum Grafting
When a recession of the gingiva (“gum”) occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. In addition, gum recession often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance to the gum and tooth. Gum recession, when significant, can predispose to worsening recession and expose the root surface, which is softer than enamel, leading to root caries and root gouging. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an option.
Of all the procedures at the disposal of the periodontal plastic surgeon, none has more far-reaching ramifications than the connective tissue graft. Not only is it more comfortable for the patient and produces a better color match, but also is more predictable in its ability to cover root surfaces. There are many modifications to the initially reported technique. The one that we have refined and now use can be described as the minimally invasive subepithelial tissue graft (MIST) graft. It is appropriately named minimally invasive, because a single incision is made in the palate, and this is sutured closed, and the gum tissues in the areas of recession are only separated from the teeth rather than removed. Because no incisions are made on the outside of the gums, there is no scarring and the color match is excellent, therefore you can often not tell that a procedure was done, except that the root is now covered. This procedure enables us to predictably enhance the cosmetics of our cases by reestablishing the symmetry of the smile and can be used in conjunction with restorative dentistry to create an optimum result.
Konikoff Periodontics & Dental Implants
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Amazing people!
- Nichole S
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Great professionalism exhibited by all!!
- Richard Prutsman J
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My Dental Hygienist is Jean. i particularly commend her because she noticed on my annual x-rays a cracked tooth which I subsequently had extracted.
- Peter W
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Vert great customer service.
- Shawn H
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Excellent experience
- Kristie K
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Explained options well, left choices to me that I felt comfortable with
- Charlotte B
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Everyone was very friendly. My daughter loved Dr. B. Konikoff singing. What a great singing dentist?!
- Sandra A
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Best place for all your periodontal needs. I’ve had surgery & continue my cleanings & periodontal maintenance. I have been a patient for over 30 years!!! THE GO TO PLACE FOR PERIODONTAL CARE!!!
- Ellie D
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The staff was very friendly and the procedure went great.
- Pamela N
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There cannot possibly be a better practice in this area. The staff & Dr Konikoff are truly people who care & went out of their way to make my procedure as comfortable as possible.
- Carla A
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As terrifying as dental procedures are to me, I can honestly say that the staff made extraordinary efforts to keep me calm. They were very empathetic and kind.
- Michele S
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Everyone in the office were very friendly and calm
- Joan F
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The dental staff are very caring and attentive. They put you at ease and make you feel comfortable.
- Dawn W
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Even for extensive procedures, I felt very much at ease.
- Jeannemarie S
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Great visit. Started right on time. Very professional service from the entire staff, especially my Joy, my hygienist.
- Tommy J
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Jean was excellent in my scaling. It was not as bad as I thought it would be. She recommended a toothbrush and I was not sure which kind of that particular brand. She went out of her way to go to the store and check out which toothbrush and texted me the picture. Kudos to Jean.
- Linda S
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Everyone was so great
- Curley E
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Friendly, efficient staff.
- Nekeisha C
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Dr. Konikoff was amazing. My procedure had no complications and I barely had any pain. He was very professional and the best thing is that he called later during the day of procedure to check on me. I really appreciate them and they were very flexible with the scheduling. I highly recommend them.
- Hadi R
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Great service, will continue to come back!
- Ronald J