Recession on the Tongue Side of the Lower Front Teeth, Treated with a Tunnel Graft
Recession on the inside of the lower front teeth, where it is rarely noticed and seldom treated. A tunnel connective tissue graft using the patient's own tissue. Photographed at the two-week suture check.
What the Patient Noticed
Sensitivity and a rough feeling behind the lower front teeth. Recession on the tongue side is common but rarely photographed, because patients cannot see it and it is awkward to reach. Exposed roots are more vulnerable to decay than enamel, and thin tissue in this position is difficult to maintain.
What Was Done
A tunnel connective tissue graft on the lingual (tongue) side. The technique is the same as on the cheek side, but the access is tighter and the tissue is under more stress from the tongue. The patient’s own connective tissue, taken from beneath the surface of the palate, was chosen here for that reason rather than a donor material. There is little published evidence comparing the two on the tongue side specifically, so that was a judgment about this case.
The Result
At two weeks the sutures are out and a thick band of new tissue covers the roots. Full maturation takes a few months, and how the site behaves after that depends on brushing habit and on the patient. About gum grafting.