Soft Tissue Grafting

Gum recession is more common than most people realize, and its effects go well beyond how your smile looks. When the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back, it exposes the sensitive root surfaces underneath, leading to discomfort, increased sensitivity, and a higher risk of tooth loss over time. If you’ve noticed your teeth looking longer or have felt heightened sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, soft tissue grafting may be the solution your periodontist recommends.

Soft tissue grafting, also known as gingival grafting, is a surgical procedure designed to restore lost gum tissue and protect the exposed root surfaces of your teeth. The procedure can halt the progression of recession, reduce sensitivity, and improve the appearance of your gumline. As part of the periodontics services offered at Rockland Dental Specialists, soft tissue grafting is performed by our team of periodontists and implant specialists to give patients lasting results with minimal discomfort.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession does not happen overnight. It develops gradually as a result of several contributing factors, and understanding them is the first step toward protecting your oral health.

The most common causes of gum recession include aggressive tooth brushing, gum disease (periodontitis), genetics, thin gum tissue, and misaligned teeth that put excessive pressure on the gums. Tobacco use and teeth grinding can also accelerate the process. Because recession develops slowly, many patients are unaware of it until they experience discomfort or their dentist points it out during a routine exam. Addressing recession early through a procedure like gingival grafting can prevent further damage and preserve the long-term health of your teeth.

Types of Soft Tissue Grafts

Not every case of gum recession is the same, and the type of graft used depends on the extent of the recession and your individual anatomy. The three most common options are connective tissue grafts, free gingival grafts, and pedicle grafts.

A connective tissue graft is the most frequently performed type. Tissue is taken from beneath a small flap of skin on the roof of the mouth and stitched over the exposed root. A free gingival graft follows a similar process but uses tissue taken directly from the outer surface of the palate, making it a good choice for patients who naturally have thin gum tissue. A pedicle graft, on the other hand, uses tissue grafted from gum tissue adjacent to the affected tooth rather than from the palate, which can be beneficial when there is enough healthy tissue nearby.

• Connective tissue graft: tissue from beneath the palate, used to cover exposed roots
• Free gingival graft: tissue from the palate surface, best for thin gum tissue
• Pedicle graft: tissue taken from adjacent gum, ideal when sufficient tissue is nearby

Your periodontist will evaluate your gumline and recommend the approach that best fits your needs.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

Soft tissue grafting is performed in our office, and most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable the experience is. The area is numbed thoroughly before the procedure begins, so discomfort during treatment is minimal. Depending on the number of teeth being treated, the appointment typically lasts between one and two hours.

Recovery follows a predictable timeline. Your first follow-up appointment typically occurs within two weeks after the procedure, and a second appointment is usually scheduled around eight to ten weeks post-surgery. After periodontal surgery, patients generally return for monitoring visits every three months during the first year. These check-ins allow our team to track how the graft is healing and ensure your gum tissue is integrating properly. You can also read more about what the recovery process looks like in our blog on tips for maintaining a healthy gum graft.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Soft tissue grafting is appropriate for patients who are experiencing measurable gum recession, root sensitivity, or visible root exposure. It is also commonly recommended for patients preparing for dental implants who need adequate gum tissue to support a successful outcome. Patients with active gum disease will typically need to have that addressed through periodontal treatment before a graft can be placed.

Gum graft surgery is a reliable and well-documented treatment for reducing sensitivity, improving aesthetics, and protecting teeth from further recession. If you have been told you have a recession or are concerned about the health of your gums, an evaluation with a periodontist can determine whether grafting is the right option.

Soft Tissue Grafting at Rockland Dental Specialists

At Rockland Dental Specialists, our periodontists and implant specialists bring over 24 years of combined experience in periodontics to every patient they treat. Dr. Shalom Mintz, who is board-certified in periodontics and implantology, leads a team that includes Dr. David Peto, a fellow periodontist dedicated to achieving the most precise and comfortable outcomes possible. Our high-end office is designed with patient comfort in mind, from the large dental chairs to the in-room entertainment that helps make each visit as relaxed as possible. We also offer complimentary insurance verifications and custom payment plans to ensure that cost is never a barrier to the care you need.

If you are concerned about gum recession or have been referred for soft tissue grafting, we encourage you to reach out to our team through our contact form to schedule your consultation with Dr. Mintz and our periodontists.