Gum grafting — also called soft tissue grafting — is a surgical procedure that restores receded gum tissue. Gum recession exposes tooth roots, increasing sensitivity, raising decay risk, and creating an aesthetic concern. Grafting rebuilds the gum architecture and addresses all of these consequences.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession is caused by periodontal (gum) disease, aggressive brushing technique, thin gum tissue type (some patients are genetically predisposed to minimal attached gum tissue), orthodontic tooth movement beyond the bone boundary, tooth position outside the normal arch, and trauma. In many patients, multiple factors contribute simultaneously.
Types of Gum Grafts
A connective tissue graft takes tissue from beneath the palate surface (the subepithelial connective tissue). This is the most common and versatile technique, suitable for covering exposed roots and increasing tissue thickness. A free gingival graft takes the entire thickness of palatal tissue and is used primarily to increase the zone of attached gum tissue rather than to cover roots. An allograft uses donor tissue from a tissue bank, eliminating the need for a palatal donor site. This approach is increasingly common and avoids palatal healing.
The Procedure
Gum grafting is typically performed under local anesthesia with optional sedation in an oral surgeon's or periodontist's office. The grafted tissue is sutured over the recipient site and takes 2–4 weeks to heal. Patients are advised to eat soft foods and avoid the surgical area during healing.
Outcomes
Well-performed gum grafts achieve predictable root coverage and provide long-lasting results. The grafted tissue blends with the native gum tissue over several months, and the result is a more even, healthy-looking gum line with reduced sensitivity and improved protection for the tooth root.