When gums recede, the roots they once covered are left exposed: sensitive, prone to decay, and making teeth look longer than they are. A gum graft restores that lost tissue, covering the root, thickening the gum so it resists further recession, and returning the smile line to where it belongs.
What gum grafting treats
Gum recession is gum tissue pulling back from a tooth so that more of the tooth, and eventually the root, is exposed. It is caused by gum disease, by brushing too hard for too many years, by naturally thin gum tissue, by grinding, and sometimes by the position of a tooth or by orthodontic movement. Roots have no enamel, so once exposed they are sensitive to cold, more likely to decay, and the recession tends to continue. A soft tissue graft replaces the missing gum.
Types of grafts
- Connective tissue graft. The most common. A thin layer of tissue is taken from beneath the surface of the palate and placed over the exposed root, where it heals into the surrounding gum.
- Free gingival graft. Used to thicken very thin gum tissue so it can resist further recession, rather than to cover a root.
- Pedicle graft. Gum next to the affected tooth is partly detached and rotated to cover the root, when there is enough tissue nearby to spare.
- Donor tissue. Processed donor tissue can be used instead of your own palate, avoiding a second surgical site.
Your periodontist chooses the approach based on how much root is exposed, how thick your existing tissue is, and whether the goal is root coverage, protection or both.
What to expect
The procedure is done under local anesthetic and usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half. The graft is positioned and secured with fine sutures, and a protective dressing may be placed. Sedation is available if you would rather be more relaxed. The gum heals over one to two weeks and the graft blends into its surroundings over the following months.
Aftercare
Eat soft, cool foods for the first several days, avoid brushing the grafted area until we say otherwise, and use the prescribed rinse to keep it clean. If tissue was taken from the palate, that site is usually the more tender of the two for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief is normally sufficient. We remove or check the stitches at a follow-up visit.
Results
A successful graft covers the root, relieves sensitivity, and gives you thicker, more durable gum that protects the tooth for years. Around a dental implant, the same procedure builds the firm tissue that keeps the implant healthy. Where recession was caused by brushing technique or grinding, we address the cause too, so the new tissue lasts.
Cost and insurance
Grafting is priced per site. When it is needed to protect a tooth or an implant, dental plans often cover part of the cost. You will have a written estimate before treatment. See insurance and financing.
Why patients choose it
- Covers exposed, sensitive roots
- Stops recession from advancing
- Protects roots and implants from decay
- Restores a natural gumline
Soft Tissue (Gum) Grafting at our New York office
In Midtown Manhattan, soft tissue grafting is performed at 630 5th Avenue, Suite 1815, by the ToothDocs periodontal team. Dr. Noor Mukhtar's specialty training at NYU included soft tissue grafting and esthetic periodontal surgery; Dr. Nicholas Arroyo focuses on the treatment of gingival recession; and Dr. Evelyn Spencer, a board-certified periodontist, treats recession around both natural teeth and implants. Grafting before veneers or a smile makeover is coordinated with Dr. Kauftheil's restorative team in the same office. Call (212) 969-9490 or book online and choose New York.
Your Soft Tissue (Gum) Grafting team in New York
Soft Tissue (Gum) Grafting at our Roslyn office
Gum grafting is offered at our Roslyn office at 1044 Northern Blvd., Suite 106, for patients across Roslyn, Manhasset, Port Washington, Sea Cliff and the North Shore of Nassau County. Receding gums are easy to ignore because they rarely hurt at first, so the usual first sign is a tooth that suddenly stings with cold, or one that looks longer than its neighbor in a photo. If that sounds familiar, start with an exam here: recession caught early can sometimes be managed without surgery, and when a graft is the right answer it is scheduled at this office. Call (516) 625-0088 or request an appointment and choose Roslyn.
Frequently asked
Does gum grafting hurt?+
The procedure is done under local anesthetic. Afterwards, the grafted site is usually only mildly sore; if tissue was taken from your palate, that area is the more tender one for a few days and feels like a scraped roof of the mouth. Over-the-counter pain relief is normally enough.
Will receding gums grow back on their own?+
No. Gum tissue that has receded does not regenerate. Treating the cause stops recession from getting worse, but covering an exposed root again requires a graft.
How long does a gum graft last?+
With normal home care and regular checkups a graft is a long-term result, often permanent. The main risks to it are the same habits that caused the recession, such as aggressive brushing, which we help you correct.
Do I need a gum graft before veneers or an implant?+
Sometimes. Thin or receding gums can undermine a cosmetic result or leave an implant exposed, so your dentist may recommend grafting first to give the restoration a stable, healthy frame. It is assessed case by case at your consultation.
Where can I get Soft Tissue (Gum) Grafting near New York?+
ToothDocs offers Soft Tissue (Gum) Grafting at our New York office: 630 5th Avenue, Suite 1815, New York, NY 10111. Call (212) 969-9490 or request an appointment online to get started.
Where can I get Soft Tissue (Gum) Grafting near Roslyn?+
ToothDocs offers Soft Tissue (Gum) Grafting at our Roslyn office: 1044 Northern Blvd., Suite 106, Roslyn, NY 11576. Call (516) 625-0088 or request an appointment online to get started.