Gum grafting for receding gums

Receding gums expose the root of the tooth, which can be sensitive, decays more easily and makes teeth look longer. A gum graft adds healthy tissue where it has worn away, protecting the root and stopping further recession.

What causes gum recession

• Brushing too hard or with a hard-bristled brush
• Gum disease
• Thin gum tissue you were born with
• Grinding or clenching
• Orthodontic tooth movement
• Lip or tongue piercings

Grafting options

Connective tissue graft

A small piece of tissue is taken from under the surface of the roof of your mouth and placed over the exposed root. It is the most predictable way to cover roots.

Donor tissue graft

Processed donor tissue is used instead of your own, so there is no second site to heal. It works well in many cases, especially when several teeth are involved.

Free gingival graft

Used mainly to thicken thin gums and stop recession from getting worse, rather than to cover the root.

Recovery

You'll eat soft foods for about a week and avoid brushing the grafted area until we tell you. Most people go back to work the next day.

What to expect

1. EvaluationWe measure the recession and look at why it happened, so it doesn't happen again.
2. GraftAbout an hour under local anesthetic.
3. Follow-upWe check healing after one to two weeks and again a few months later.

Questions we hear often

Will my gums grow back on their own?

No. Gum tissue that has receded does not grow back by itself, which is why grafting is the treatment.

Is gum grafting cosmetic?

It can improve the look of your smile, but the main reason is to protect the root from sensitivity, decay and further loss. Insurance often covers part of it.