Skip to content
PerioEdge — home

Advanced Periodontal Care

Soft‑Tissue & Gum Grafts

Gum grafting is a periodontal plastic surgery procedure used to restore gum tissue that has receded due to periodontal disease, trauma, or aggressive brushing. Recession can expose tooth roots, leading to sensitivity, aesthetic concerns, and an increased risk of decay.

Gum grafting involves taking healthy tissue — typically from the palate or nearby donor sites — and placing it over areas of recession to restore natural gum coverage and thickness. We select the most conservative and predictable grafting technique based on your tissue type and aesthetic goals, with a focus on natural-looking gum architecture.

Types of gum grafting

Connective tissue graft

Tissue from beneath the surface of the palate is placed over the recession — widely regarded as the benchmark for covering exposed roots.

Free gingival graft

Tissue from the surface of the palate is added where the gum is thin, increasing firm, attached tissue.

Pedicle graft

Healthy gum next to the affected tooth is partially freed and moved over the exposed root while staying connected to its blood supply.

Tunnel technique

A minimally invasive approach that places the graft through small openings for a natural, comfortable result.

Who it's for

  • Receding gums and exposed, sensitive tooth roots
  • Thin or insufficient gum tissue
  • An uneven gumline affecting appearance
  • Protecting exposed roots against decay

What to expect

  1. 1

    Evaluation

    We assess the recession and tissue quality and plan the graft type best suited to the site.

  2. 2

    The graft

    Healthy tissue — from the palate or a donor source — is placed over the area of recession to restore coverage and thickness.

  3. 3

    Healing

    The graft integrates with the surrounding tissue over the following weeks.

  4. 4

    Result

    Exposed roots are covered and thin tissue strengthened, improving comfort, protection, and appearance.

Recovery & aftercare

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and post-operative discomfort is typically mild and manageable.

Initial healing occurs within 1–2 weeks, with full maturation of the tissue over several weeks.

Common questions

Is gum grafting painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and post-operative discomfort is typically mild and manageable.
How long does healing take?
Initial healing occurs within 1–2 weeks, with full maturation over several weeks.

Talk to a specialist about soft‑tissue & gum grafts

Whether you're a patient considering treatment or a dentist referring a case, we'll evaluate, plan, and coordinate care from diagnosis through follow-up.

Sources

  1. 1.American Academy of Periodontology — Gum Graft Surgery
  2. 2.Gingival recession: causes & management (review, NIH/PMC)

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation. Diagnosis and treatment should always be determined by a qualified dental professional based on your individual condition.