Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure used to add or reinforce gum tissue in areas where recession has exposed the roots of the teeth or left the existing tissue thin and vulnerable. Depending on your needs, grafting material is carefully positioned around the affected area to create additional tissue coverage and support.
Gum recession can develop for several reasons, including periodontal disease, tooth position, naturally thin gum tissue, aggressive brushing, or other individual factors. Treatment is planned around both the cause of the recession and the condition of the surrounding gums.
Not every area of gum recession requires surgical treatment. Some areas can be monitored, while others may benefit from grafting to protect the tooth, reinforce the gum tissue, or address progressive recession.
Gum grafting may be considered when:
A periodontal evaluation allows us to determine the cause and extent of recession and whether grafting is the appropriate treatment.
Understanding why recession developed is an important part of planning treatment and helping protect the area after grafting. Gum recession is often influenced by more than one factor.
Gum disease can damage the tissues and bone supporting the teeth, contributing to changes in the position and stability of the gumline.
Some people naturally have thinner periodontal tissue, which may be more susceptible to recession around certain teeth.
Aggressive brushing or repeated trauma to the gumline can contribute to recession. Adjusting technique may help protect vulnerable areas.
The position of a tooth within the jaw and the forces placed on it can sometimes influence the surrounding gum tissue and contribute to recession.
Protecting the grafted area during the early stages of healing is important. You’ll receive specific instructions about brushing, cleaning, eating, and other activities while the tissues recover. You may need to avoid brushing or flossing directly around the surgical site until your doctor advises that it is safe.
Long-term care focuses on maintaining healthy gum tissue and addressing factors that may have contributed to the original recession. Gentle home care, regular periodontal evaluations, and professional maintenance can help protect the treated area over time.
Gum recession can have several causes, including periodontal disease, naturally thin gum tissue, tooth position, aggressive brushing, and other individual factors. Identifying the likely cause is important because it can influence both treatment and how we protect the area from additional recession.
The treatment area is thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia during the procedure. Some tenderness, swelling, or discomfort can occur afterward as the tissues heal. The recovery experience varies depending on the type and extent of grafting performed, and we’ll provide personalized instructions to help you care for the area.
Initial gum healing occurs over the weeks following treatment, while tissue maturation continues beyond the early recovery period. Healing time varies based on the type and location of the graft, extent of treatment, and individual healing response. Follow-up visits allow us to monitor your progress.
The amount of root coverage that can be achieved varies depending on the location and severity of recession, condition of the supporting tissues, tooth position, and other clinical factors. In some cases, complete coverage may be possible, while in others the primary goal is increasing tissue thickness and protecting the area from further recession.
