Reviewed by Dr. Kerri Font, DDS
Reading time: three minutes
Receding gums expose tooth roots, increase sensitivity, and raise the risk of decay and bone loss. Gum grafting helps restore lost tissue, protect your teeth, and stabilize long-term oral health.
Table of Contents
- Types of Gum Grafting Procedures
- How We Choose the Right Grafting Approach
- Restoring Gum Health with a Periodontal Specialist
- FAQ
Types of Gum Grafting Procedures
Periodontists choose grafting techniques based on gum thickness, the level of recession, tooth position, and overall tissue health. Each method serves a specific purpose.
Connective Tissue Graft
This technique is the most common approach for covering exposed roots. Tissue is taken from beneath the surface of the palate and is placed over the recessed area.
In cases where multiple teeth need coverage, we may use donated tissue (an allograft). However, the gold standard is taking tissue from the palate
Free Gingival Graft
A free gingival graft adds thickness to thin or fragile gum tissue. Tissue from the surface of the palate is placed where extra support is needed. This approach helps prevent future recession, even when root exposure is minimal.
Pedicle (Lateral) Graft
A pedicle graft uses existing gum tissue next to the recessed area. Instead of removing tissue from another location, gum tissue is repositioned to cover the exposed root.
This approach works best when sufficient healthy gum tissue already surrounds the affected tooth. While highly effective in the right cases, it requires advanced precision and careful case selection.
How We Choose the Right Grafting Approach
Gum grafting is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. We examine the specific features of your gums and teeth to determine which technique offers the best result. This includes evaluating gum thickness, the amount of root exposure, tooth position, and the level of bone support. Our goal is to choose the approach that strengthens the area, protects the root, and supports long-term stability.
Restoring Gum Health with a Periodontal Specialist
Restoring lost gum tissue requires a careful approach and a clear understanding of your anatomy. At Highlands Ranch Periodontics, we tailor each grafting procedure to your specific needs to protect your teeth, strengthen your gums, and support long-term oral health.
To book an appointment at our Highlands Ranch location, call (303) 683-1144. For our Sloan’s Lake location, call (303) 683-1144.
FAQ
Initial healing usually takes one to two weeks. Full tissue maturation continues for several months as the graft integrates with surrounding gums.
Signs may include persistent pain, swelling, unusual discoloration, or discharge at the graft site. Prompt evaluation improves the chance of correcting complications early.
In addition to protecting teeth, grafting creates a more even gum line and a healthier-looking smile once healing completes.