If, as the poets say, the eyes are the mirror
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Dr. Richard Shanaman, D.D.S, P.C : Root Coverage

When there is recession of gum exposing the root of a tooth, there are a number of different surgical procedures that can be used to improve the situation. Some of the early but still useful procedures are free gingival grafts, pedicle grafts, and double papilla grafts. Other surgical procedures can be used to cover exposed roots, such as the connective tissue graft or gingival augmentation with guided tissue regeneration.

Please read about each of these procedures below.

Free Gingival Graft Tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and placed over the exposed root extending it laterally onto adjacent soft tissue. Root coverage is predictable; however, the graft does not always blend in with adjacent gum. Its appearance is unnatural. This may not be a problem, if accomplished in the posterior regions or lower jaw, because the area will rarely be seen. Its shortcoming is the uncomfortable and sometimes painful nature of the healing process.
Pedicle Graft If there is sufficiently thick gum next to the tooth needing coverage, it may be possible to carefully dissect free the top layer, leaving it attached at the base to provide a blood supply to maintain its vitality.
Double Papilla Graft This procedure uses the same principles as the pedicle graft; except the gum between the teeth (papilla) on either side are moved over the exposed root.
Connective Tissue Graft Connective tissue is taken from under the gum on the palate (roof of the mouth). This tissue is placed under a flap in the area needing root coverage. Only the underlying connective tissue is removed from the palate; therefore, a painful open wound is not present as with the free gingival graft discussed previously.
Gingival Augmentation With Guided Tissue Regeneration In this case, root coverage was accomplished using a barrier membrane in lieu of connective tissue.