What Is Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting, also known as soft-tissue grafting, is a procedure that restores gum tissue in areas where recession has exposed tooth roots. Exposed roots increase sensitivity, raise the risk of root decay, and can affect the appearance of your smile. Using tissue from your own palate or donor material, we rebuild the gum line to protect your teeth and improve both comfort and aesthetics.
At West Chester Family Dentistry, our team performs gum grafting with precision and a focus on your comfort. We evaluate the extent of recession, discuss the best grafting approach for your situation, and provide thorough aftercare instructions for a smooth recovery.
- Reduces tooth sensitivity from exposed roots
- Protects teeth from root decay
- Improves the appearance of your gum line
- Helps prevent further recession
- Multiple grafting techniques available
- Sedation options for your comfort
The Gum Grafting Process
Here is what to expect when you have gum grafting at West Chester Family Dentistry:
- Your dentist evaluates the extent of recession and determines the best grafting technique.
- Under local anesthesia (with optional sedation), tissue is harvested from the palate or donor material is prepared.
- The graft tissue is carefully positioned over the exposed root area and secured in place.
- Post-operative care instructions are provided, with follow-up visits to monitor healing.
The Importance of Treating Gum Recession
Gum recession is more than a cosmetic concern. When your gums pull back and expose the tooth root, you lose the protective barrier that keeps bacteria away from the root surface. This leads to increased sensitivity, a higher risk of root cavities, and potential bone loss around the affected teeth.
Left untreated, recession tends to worsen over time. Gum grafting stops the progression, restores the protective tissue layer, and can even improve the appearance of a receded gum line. Early treatment produces the best results, so we recommend scheduling an evaluation if you notice your gums pulling away from your teeth.
Types of Gum Grafts
We use different grafting techniques depending on your needs:
Connective Tissue Graft
The most common type, using tissue from beneath the palate for root coverage.
Free Gingival Graft
Tissue taken directly from the palate surface to thicken thin gum tissue.
Pedicle Graft
Adjacent gum tissue is repositioned over the recession site when sufficient tissue exists nearby.
Gum Grafting Cost and Coverage
The cost of gum grafting depends on the number of teeth being treated, the type of graft, and the extent of recession. Many dental insurance plans cover gum grafting when it is medically necessary. Our team will verify your benefits and provide a clear estimate.
We also offer financing options for patients who need help with costs. Call 513-755-2118 to schedule your periodontal consultation at West Chester Family Dentistry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Grafting
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and sedation is available for your comfort. Most patients experience mild discomfort during recovery that is manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief. Discomfort typically subsides within a week.
Most patients recover within one to two weeks. You will follow a soft-food diet for the first week and avoid brushing the graft site directly. Full healing of the graft tissue takes several weeks.
Common causes include aggressive brushing, periodontal disease, genetics, teeth grinding, misaligned teeth, and tobacco use. Addressing the underlying cause is important to prevent further recession after grafting.
Gum grafting has a high success rate, but maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing the cause of recession (such as aggressive brushing or gum disease) is essential to protect the results long-term.
The three main types are connective tissue grafts (tissue from the palate), free gingival grafts (tissue directly from the palate surface), and pedicle grafts (tissue moved from adjacent gum). Your dentist will recommend the best type for your situation.
Many dental insurance plans cover gum grafting when it is medically necessary to treat gum recession or protect tooth roots. Our team will verify your benefits and provide a cost estimate before treatment.