Gum Grafting

What Is A Gum Graft?

A gum graft is a procedure to replace missing gum tissue. The area that is receiving treatment will be thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia. After we ensure you are comfortable, we will make small incisions at the surgical site and gently move the gums out of the way. The graft site is prepared by thoroughly cleaning the teeth and moving the gum tissue out of the way. The gum graft is harvested in a small rectangular shape from the roof of your mouth. Depending on how many teeth are being grafted, both sides of the roof of your mouth may be utilized. The graft is prepared while a biologic material that aids in healing is applied to the root surfaces of the teeth. The graft is then placed and secured with stitches. Several different techniques are used for gum grafting. Depending on the goals of your treatment, the graft may be fully covered underneath your gum tissue, or a part of it may be left exposed. A clear, plastic, healing retainer is placed to cover the roof of your mouth and act as a Band-Aid during healing.

We offer multiple sedation options for surgical procedures, if needed.

Graft Materials

Tissue that is harvested from the roof of your mouth is considered the gold standard for gum grafting procedures. While donor tissues/materials are available on the market, research has repeatedly shown that using your own tissue has superior results with the best long-term stability. We make a healing retainer for you to wear to protect the secondary surgical site from your tongue and food to help facilitate healing and comfort early on.

During surgery, we also draw a small amount of your blood and spin it in a centrifuge to separate out all the good growth factors that your body naturally produces. The “clot” of these growth factors are used at the donor site to promote healing.

Treatment Timeline

Visit 1: Consult & Exam

Review of health history and determine diagnosis
Pre-op intra-oral scan
Review recommended treatment plan and answer all questions

Visit 2: Gum Graft Surgery

Sedation (optional) and local anesthesia
Completion of surgical procedure for gum grafting
Review post-op instructions and care

Visit 3: Post-op (3 weeks)

Check the area for normal healing
Remove sutures
Review and update home care instructions
Additional post-op appointments may be scheduled as necessary, based on healing
Note: You may not see the doctor at your post-op appointment, but they are always available to answer any question if you need. Do not hesitate to ask!

Visit 4: Post-op (8 weeks)

Check the area for normal healing
Review and update home care instructions
Note: You may not see the doctor at your post-op appointment, but they are always available to answer any question if you need. Do not hesitate to ask!