Subepithelial connective tissue grafts involve the use of autogenous tissue, i.e. tissue removed from a patient’s palate (roof of the mouth) or allogenic material (a “man-made” membrane) and placed over the root of a tooth, along with a flap of gum tissue raised from the base of the recession, called subepithelial connective tissue, in order to cover the palatal tissue or membrane. The subepithelial connective tissue graft is a common procedure for covering exposed roots.
Subepithelial Grafts Using Allogenic Tissue
Left Side - Before
Left Side - After
Right Side - Before
Right Side - After
In the above case, the loss of support was repaired through surgical augmentation of the interior connective tissue using allogenic material (Dermis) to help repair the gum. Emdogain was also used to help repair the bone.
Subepithelial Grafts Using Autogenous Tissue
Left Side - Before
Left Side - After
Right Side - Before
Right Side - After
The above pictures show subepithelial grafts whereby the loss of gum was repaired through surgical augmentation of the interior connective tissue. In this particular case, autogenous tissue (removed from the patient's palate) was used.