Gum Grafting
Restore receding gums, protect exposed roots, and renew your smile with expert soft tissue grafting.
Restore Your Gum Line
Gum recession is a gradual process in which the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back or wears away, exposing the tooth root. This can lead to increased sensitivity, higher risk of root decay, and an aging appearance to your smile. Gum grafting is a proven periodontal procedure that covers exposed roots by transplanting healthy tissue to the recession site, restoring both the health and beauty of your gums.
- Covers exposed roots to reduce sensitivity
- Protects against root decay and further recession
- Restores a natural, healthy-looking gum line
- Multiple graft types tailored to your needs
Types of Gum Grafts
We offer three primary gum grafting techniques, each suited to different clinical situations. Your periodontist will recommend the best option based on the location, severity, and cause of your recession.
Connective Tissue Graft
The most common type of gum graft. A thin layer of tissue is taken from beneath the surface of the palate and placed over the exposed root. This technique provides excellent root coverage and blends seamlessly with your existing gum tissue for a natural appearance.
Free Gingival Graft
Tissue is taken directly from the surface of the palate and placed at the recession site. This method is particularly effective for patients with thin gum tissue who need to increase tissue thickness around the teeth to prevent further recession.
Pedicle Graft
Tissue is sourced from the gum adjacent to the affected tooth rather than the palate. A flap of tissue is partially cut and rotated to cover the exposed root. This technique maintains its own blood supply, often resulting in excellent healing and outcomes.
Benefits of Gum Grafting
- Covers exposed tooth roots, reducing sensitivity to hot and cold
- Protects vulnerable root surfaces from decay
- Prevents further gum recession and bone loss
- Improves the aesthetics of your smile by restoring a natural gum line
- Strengthens the gum tissue around teeth for long-term stability
- Multiple graft techniques available to match your specific needs
The Gum Grafting Process
Consultation & Planning
Thorough examination of gum recession sites, tissue quality, and root exposure. We discuss treatment options and select the ideal graft type for your specific needs.
Tissue Preparation
The recession site is prepared and, depending on the graft type, donor tissue is carefully obtained from the palate or adjacent gum tissue under local anesthesia.
Graft Placement
The graft tissue is precisely positioned over the exposed root surface and secured with fine sutures. Care is taken to ensure proper tissue alignment and coverage.
Healing & Follow-Up
The graft site heals over 2 to 4 weeks as blood vessels grow into the graft. Follow-up visits monitor integration and ensure the new tissue is thriving.
Recovery Timeline
Understanding what to expect during recovery helps you plan accordingly and ensures the best possible outcome from your gum grafting procedure.
Rest and eat soft, cool foods. Mild swelling and discomfort are normal and manageable with prescribed medication. Avoid brushing the surgical site.
Swelling and discomfort begin to subside. Continue soft foods and gentle oral hygiene. Avoid strenuous physical activity. The graft begins initial integration.
Sutures are removed at your follow-up appointment. The graft tissue develops blood supply and begins to blend with surrounding tissue. Most patients return to normal diet.
Full healing progresses as the graft matures and strengthens. The tissue color and texture continue to improve, blending naturally with your existing gums.
Complete tissue maturation. The graft reaches its final thickness and appearance. Root coverage results are fully visible. Resume all normal oral hygiene practices.
Gum Grafting FAQ
Receding Gums Affecting Your Smile?
Restore your gum line with expert grafting techniques -- schedule a consultation today.