Connective Tissue Graft
Tissue is taken from beneath the surface of the palate and placed over the receded area. This is often used for root coverage and aesthetic improvements.
Our Services
Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure used to treat gum recession and restore lost gum tissue. Receding gums can expose tooth roots, cause sensitivity, and lead to further damage if untreated. Gum grafts help protect your teeth, reduce sensitivity, and improve the appearance of your smile.
The Basics
What Is a Gum Graft?
A gum graft involves taking a small amount of tissue—either from your own mouth or a donor source—and placing it over areas where your gums have receded.
This helps:
- Cover exposed roots
- Thicken thin or fragile gum tissue
- Prevent further recession
- Improve aesthetics and reduce tooth sensitivity
Treatment Options
Types of Gum Grafts
Free Gingival Graft
Tissue is taken directly from the surface of the palate. Typically used to thicken thin gums rather than cover roots.
Pedicle Graft
Tissue is repositioned from nearby gum areas to cover exposed roots—only possible if there’s enough nearby gum tissue.
Allograft (Donor Tissue)
Donor graft material is used instead of harvesting from your own mouth, often for patients needing multiple sites treated or those wishing to avoid a second surgical site.
What to Expect
Frequently Asked Questions
The procedure is done under local anesthesia. You may feel some soreness afterward, especially at the donor site (if tissue is taken from your palate), but we provide medications to manage discomfort.
Common causes include aggressive brushing, gum disease, genetics, misaligned teeth, or trauma. Grafts help prevent further damage.
You’ll need to stick to soft foods for about 1–2 weeks. We’ll give you specific dietary instructions to protect the graft as it heals.
Most healing occurs within 2–3 weeks, but complete gum maturation can take a few months.
While rare, factors like poor oral hygiene, smoking, or trauma to the graft area can affect the outcome. We provide detailed instructions to help ensure success.
Recovery
Aftercare Instructions
Do
- Use any prescribed rinses or antibiotics as directed
- Stick to soft, cold or lukewarm foods (yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, eggs)
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid the surgical area
- Return for follow-up to monitor healing and remove sutures if necessary
Avoid
- Brushing or flossing near the graft site until cleared by your dentist
- Hot foods, spicy foods, and hard or crunchy foods
- Smoking or alcohol (both slow healing)
- Physical exertion for the first 48 hours
Book a Visit
Book a gum grafting consultation
Contact our Richmond office during business hours and we will be happy to help you in English, Cantonese, or Mandarin.