General Dentistry
Gum Grafting
Gum recession exposes tooth roots and causes sensitivity. Dr. Patel Dentistry offers gum grafting to restore your gumline, protect your teeth, and improve your smile.
Overview
Understanding Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is a surgical procedure used to treat gum recession, a condition where gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the sensitive root surface. Soft tissue from the palate or a donor source is grafted onto the receded area to rebuild the gumline and protect exposed roots.
Gum recession causes tooth sensitivity, root decay, bone loss, and cosmetic concerns. It is most commonly caused by gum disease, aggressive brushing, genetics, or bruxism. Left untreated, recession tends to progress and can eventually compromise tooth stability.
Why It Matters
Benefits of Gum Grafting
Protects exposed roots from decay and sensitivity
Improves gumline appearance and symmetry
Stops or slows the progression of recession
Significantly reduces temperature sensitivity
Supports long-term tooth retention
Reduces infection risk in exposed root areas
Good to Know
Types of gum graft
Gum grafting is not a single procedure. There are several techniques, and the right one depends on how much tissue has been lost, where the recession is, and how much healthy tissue is available nearby.
- Connective tissue graft: tissue is taken from beneath the surface of the palate and placed over the exposed root
- Free gingival graft: tissue is taken from the surface of the palate, often used where the gum needs thickening rather than covering
- Pedicle graft: tissue is moved across from the gum immediately beside the affected tooth, keeping its own blood supply
Protecting the result
A graft restores the gumline, but keeping it there depends on what caused the recession in the first place. If you brush hard, we will show you a gentler technique and switch you to a soft-bristled brush. If you grind at night, a night guard takes the load off the gumline while you sleep. Regular cleanings let us watch the area over time and step in early if it starts to move again.
Dr. Patel Dentistry — Ajax, ON
Why Choose Dr. Patel Dentistry for Gum Grafting?
“Our team at Dr. Patel Dentistry has experience managing gum recession and performs gum grafting with care and precision. We ensure patients are fully informed and comfortable throughout the procedure. Local anaesthesia and sedation options are available to minimize any discomfort.”
Common Questions
Gum Grafting FAQ
How long does recovery from gum grafting take?
Most patients experience mild discomfort for one to two weeks. Soft foods are recommended during this period, and normal activity can usually resume within a few days.
Will I need multiple grafting sessions?
It depends on the severity and number of affected teeth. Recession on multiple teeth may be treated in stages for patient comfort and recovery.
Can gum recession be prevented?
Brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, wearing a night guard if you grind, and maintaining regular cleanings all help prevent and slow recession.
What causes gum recession?
The common causes are gum disease, brushing too hard, genetics, grinding or clenching, and teeth that sit out of alignment so the gum over them is thin to begin with. Understanding which of these applies to you matters, because it is what protects the result once the gumline has been restored.
Can gum grafting fail?
Gum grafting generally has a high success rate. When healing does not go as planned it is usually linked to smoking, oral hygiene during the healing period, or an underlying health condition. Clear aftercare guidance and follow-up appointments are a large part of why most grafts settle in well.
Ready to Book?
Contact Dr. Patel Dentistry in Ajax today. We are accepting new patients and would love to help.