Gum Grafting
Restore gum health with grafting procedures that cover exposed roots and strengthen smiles.
Book ConsultationGum grafting is a surgical procedure used to treat gum recession by covering exposed roots with tissue, often taken from the palate. It restores gum health, reduces sensitivity, protects teeth, and improves the appearance of the gumline and smile.
Gum grafting repairs receding gums by transferring tissue from another area of the mouth or donor source. The procedure protects exposed roots, reduces sensitivity, improves appearance, and helps prevent further gum or bone loss.
Gum grafting treats gum recession by covering exposed roots with healthy tissue. This protects teeth from sensitivity, decay, and further recession. The procedure improves smile aesthetics, strengthens gum health, and helps prevent tooth loss while restoring comfort and function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gum grafting is done with the area thoroughly numbed, so most people feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure, and sedation such as laughing gas, oral sedation or IV sedation can help if you're anxious. Afterward, soreness is common for several days. When tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth, that spot is often more tender than the graft itself. Prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses and soft, cool foods help keep you comfortable.
Most people return to normal routines within a few days, but the graft takes several weeks to heal fully. For the first week or two, eat soft, cool foods, chew away from the graft, and avoid brushing or flossing the treated area until you're told it's safe. A prescribed mouth rinse may be used instead. Avoid smoking, which slows healing. Follow-up visits let SoCal Prime Dentistry check that the graft is settling in and protecting the root.
No, gum tissue that has receded does not grow back on its own. Gentler brushing with a soft brush, treating gum disease and wearing a night guard if you grind can slow or stop further recession, but they won't cover roots that are already exposed. A gum graft is the usual way to restore that coverage. An exam measures how much recession you have and whether it is stable, so you know whether to monitor it or treat it.
A successful gum graft can protect the root for many years, especially when the cause of the recession is addressed. Long-term results depend on brushing gently with a soft toothbrush, controlling gum disease, avoiding tobacco, and managing grinding or clenching. A graft can't stop new recession elsewhere in the mouth, so regular checkups and cleanings are important. Dr. Sharma can review what led to your recession and how to protect your gums going forward.
Many dental plans cover part of gum grafting when it's needed to protect a tooth, but coverage varies and purely cosmetic grafts may not qualify. The cost depends on how many teeth are treated, whether tissue comes from your palate or a donor source, and whether you choose sedation. The team verifies your benefits and gives you a written estimate before treatment. CareCredit, Sunbit and an in-house membership plan can help if you don't have insurance.
