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What Is Gum Graft Surgery? Causes, Types & Benefits

Posted in Gum Graft Surgery

Closeup of a man with a smile

When your gums start receding from your teeth, your smile may look different, your teeth may feel sensitive, and you may worry about whether the damage can be repaired. Gum graft surgery is a periodontal treatment that can help revitalize damaged or lost gum tissue, address exposed tooth roots, and prevent further gum recession.

Gum grafting, also known as a gingival graft, restores and protects areas where the gums have receded by placing healthy tissue over exposed roots. If you want to fix receding gums, understanding the causes, grafting options, and benefits can help you feel more confident and make informed decisions about your treatment.

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Gum Graft Surgery Explained

Gum graft surgery, or gingival graft, is a dental procedure that replaces or adds gum tissue in areas where the gums have receded. Gum recession happens when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing the root surface. This can make the tooth vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and tissue loss.

During gingival grafting, healthy tissue is placed over the exposed tooth root. This tissue may come from your own mouth or from donor tissue. Once placed, the graft integrates with your existing gum tissue to create a stronger, healthier gumline.

In simple terms, gum graft surgery helps rebuild the protective “frame” around your teeth. It can improve comfort, protect the roots, and create a more even-looking smile.

Causes of Gum Recession

Gum recession can happen for several reasons. For some patients, it develops slowly over time. For others, it becomes noticeable when teeth start to look longer or feel sensitive.

Regardless, this condition degrades the appearance of your smile and allows harmful bacteria to move below the gumline, contributing to bone loss if left untreated. It exposes the roots of your teeth, which can make them more sensitive and increase the risk of cavities.

Common causes and contributing factors to gum recession may include:

  • Periodontal disease
  • Aggressive brushing
  • Thin gum tissue
  • Genetics
  • Tobacco use
  • Teeth grinding or clenching
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Plaque and tartar buildup
  • Orthodontic movement
  • Trauma to the gum tissue

The earlier you have gum recession evaluated, the easier it may be to prevent further damage.

Signs You May Need Gum Graft Surgery

You may not always notice gum recession right away. In many cases, patients first realize something is wrong because of sensitivity or cosmetic changes.

You may want to schedule an evaluation if you notice:

  • Teeth that look longer than they used to
  • Visible tooth roots
  • Sensitivity when eating, drinking, or brushing
  • A notch near the gumline
  • Uneven gum levels
  • Gum tissue that looks thin
  • Bleeding, swelling, or tenderness
  • Concern about worsening gum recession

A consultation allows Dr. Salamati to determine whether a gum grafting procedure is appropriate or whether another periodontal treatment should come first.

Types Of Gum Graft Surgery

There is no single type of gum graft surgery that fits every patient. The right technique depends on your gum tissue, the location of recession, how much coverage you need, and whether there is enough nearby tissue to use.

Different gum grafting techniques include:

Connective Tissue Graft

A connective tissue graft is one of the most common gum grafting methods. This technique involves creating a small flap of tissue on the roof of the mouth. A thin layer of this connective tissue is then removed and replaced over the exposed roof. Dr. Salamati then sutures it in place.

This option is often used when the goal is to cover exposed roots and improve the thickness of the gum tissue.

Free Gingival Graft

A free gingival graft uses tissue taken directly from the palate without lifting a flap. These grafts are best used to increase the thickness of gum tissue around the teeth. This may be helpful for patients with very thin gum tissue or who need stronger tissue support in a specific area.

Pedicle Graft

A pedicle graft uses nearby gum tissue instead of tissue from the roof of the mouth. In cases where there is enough gum tissue near the affected teeth, a tissue flap is partially cut and replaced over the exposed root. This allows the graft to maintain its original blood supply, which helps it heal faster.

This technique may be an option when the surrounding gum tissue is healthy and available.

Donor Graft

A donor graft uses medically processed donor tissue instead of tissue from your own palate. This can eliminate the need for a second surgical site on the roof of the mouth and may help speed recovery.

Dr. Salamati may use AlloGraft Dermal Matrix for patients with more progressed gum recession or those who want to avoid using their own palatal tissue.

What to Expect During Gingival Grafting

Gingival grafting is typically performed under local anesthesia. The procedure typically takes about an hour. However, your individual surgical length will depend on the number of teeth being treated and the type of graft.

After the graft is placed, the area is secured with sutures and covered with a protective dressing. Dr. Salamati may also use Emdogain®, a gel containing proteins that help stimulate cells involved in periodontal regeneration, to boost healing.

Your exact treatment plan depends on your exam, recession pattern, gum thickness, and long-term oral health goals.

Benefits of Gum Graft Surgery

The main goal of gum graft surgery is to restore lost gum tissue and protect your teeth. For many patients, the treatment offers both health and cosmetic benefits.

Protecting Exposed Tooth Roots

Your tooth roots are not meant to be exposed. Once the gums recede, the roots become more vulnerable to sensitivity and decay. Gum grafting helps cover those exposed areas with healthy tissue.

Reducing Tooth Sensitivity

If cold drinks, brushing, or certain foods make your teeth hurt, exposed roots may be part of the problem. Restoring your gums through gum graft surgery can reduce pain and sensitivity, making it easier to chew, eat, and drink.

Improving the Appearance of Your Smile

Receding gums can make teeth look longer or uneven. Gum graft surgery can balance the gumline and protect your smile.

Preventing Further Gum Recession

Gum grafting can create a more stable band of healthy gum tissue around the tooth. The new tissue resulting from gingival graft procedures is stable and healthy, supporting the long-term health of the tooth.

Supporting Long-Term Tooth Health

Untreated gum recession can contribute to more serious concerns, including tooth decay and loss. By restoring gum tissue and improving protection around the tooth, gum grafting can support your long-term oral health.

What Is Recovery Like After Gum Graft Surgery?

Recovery after gum graft surgery is usually manageable, as Dr. Salamati may prescribe antibiotics and pain medication to help prevent infection and manage discomfort. While downtime is typically brief, it’s recommended to allow a few days of rest and limited activity. Swelling and bruising may be helped with ice.

You will also be instructed to stick to soft, room-temperature foods during this time. These include:

  • Pudding
  • Applesauce
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Squash
  • Cooled-down soups

Dr. Salamati will review your specific post-operative care instructions during your consultation and after your procedure. Following those instructions carefully helps support proper healing.

Why Choose Dr. Salamati for Gum Graft Surgery?

Given the sensitivity and delicacy of your gums and teeth, gum graft surgery requires a careful, precise, and experienced periodontal specialist. For patients considering gum graft surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. Afshin Salamati focuses on detailed treatment planning and advanced surgical techniques to address your oral health concerns at the roots.

Dr. Salamati is a board-certified specialist in periodontics, non-surgical maintenance, and dental implants, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. This extensive background allows him to combine an advanced understanding of periodontal treatment and compassionate patient care. Dr. Salamati focuses on both the appearance of your gumline and the long-term health of the teeth, bone, and surrounding tissue. For patients with gum recession, this philosophy makes the difference.

He also offers modern dental technology, such as the 3Shape TRIOS MOVE system, which creates 3D maps of a patient’s oral anatomy. This helps patients better view their overall health and navigate their treatment options.

FAQ About Gum Graft Surgery

Can gum graft surgery fix receding gums?

Yes. Gum graft surgery can restore lost gum tissue and cover exposed roots in areas affected by gum recession, reinforcing a stronger, healthier gumline.

How do I know which type of gum graft I need?

A consultation with Dr. Salamati is the best way to determine the type of gum graft that best fits your needs. The right technique depends on your gum thickness, recession pattern, available tissue, and treatment goals.

Is gum graft surgery only cosmetic?

No. Gum graft surgery can improve the appearance of the gumline, but it also protects exposed tooth roots, reduces sensitivity, helps prevent further recession, and supports long-term tooth health.

What happens if I do not treat receding gums or gum disease?

Untreated gum recession can expose tooth roots, increase sensitivity, and contribute to further tissue loss. If gum recession is left unaddressed, teeth can become loose and eventually fall out.

Does gum graft surgery hurt?

Gum graft surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during treatment. After surgery, Dr. Salamati may prescribe antibiotics and pain medication and will provide recovery instructions to help manage discomfort.

How long do gum graft results last?

Gum graft results are designed to be long-lasting and can last for life with good oral hygiene and regular dental follow-ups.

Schedule a Gum Graft Consultation in Los Angeles

Gum recession can affect your comfort, your confidence, and the long-term health of your teeth. Gum graft surgery can help fix receding gums by restoring lost tissue, covering exposed roots, and creating a healthier gumline.

If you are considering gum graft surgery in Los Angeles, CA, schedule a consultation with Dr. Afshin Salamati. Call (310) 275-1090 or complete the online contact form to get started.