Gum Grafting

A gum graft adds healthy soft tissue to an area where the gumline has thinned or pulled back. The tissue may be taken from the roof of your mouth or sourced as a donor graft, depending on the amount of coverage needed and the condition of the surrounding tissue. It is then secured over the exposed root so that it can heal and integrate with the gum already in place. Over the following weeks, the graft becomes part of your own tissue, restoring both thickness and protection.

Recession happens for many reasons. Aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush, a history of periodontal disease, grinding, teeth that sit outside the bone's natural arch, and simple genetics all play a role. Some patients notice a single tooth that looks longer than its neighbors. Others see thinning across several teeth at once, or feel a sharp zing when drinking something cold. Because the gum tissue around each tooth differs, we evaluate each site individually rather than applying one approach across the whole mouth.

Good candidates are patients with recession that has exposed root surface, thin or fragile gum tissue, ongoing sensitivity, or a gumline that has continued to creep back over time. We also recommend grafting when there isn't enough durable tissue to support a planned restoration, or when recession threatens a tooth that is otherwise healthy and worth protecting. Patients who are self-conscious about teeth that look too long often benefit cosmetically as well as functionally.

Before any graft, active gum disease needs to be addressed, which is why gum grafting and gum disease treatment often go hand in hand in a single treatment plan. We'll review your medical history, examine the amount and quality of tissue at each site, and talk honestly about whether grafting is the right step now or whether something else should come first. In some cases, grafting is paired with other procedures — bone grafting, ridge augmentation, periodontal regeneration, or preparation for dental implants — so that the soft tissue and the underlying foundation are both healthy. As a periodontal practice with a board-certified periodontist on staff and an on-site dental lab, we're able to coordinate those stages without sending you elsewhere.

• Teeth that look progressively longer, or a gumline that keeps receding
• Sensitivity to cold air, cold drinks, or brushing near the gumline
• Thin, delicate tissue that bleeds or irritates easily
• Exposed root surfaces at higher risk of decay
• Soft tissue that needs reinforcing before or around an implant

Payment, Financing, and How to Get Started

We're an out-of-network, fee-for-service practice and do not take insurance, and we welcome self-pay and cash patients. For patients with a specialist benefit, we can file insurance claims as a Specialist on your behalf. Before treatment begins, you'll receive a clear explanation of the recommended procedure and its cost so there are no surprises.

You don't need a referral to see us. We care for patients across Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Highland Beach, and Delray Beach, and we're glad to take a look even if you're simply unsure whether what you're seeing counts as recession. If your gums have changed and you'd like a straight answer about your options, we'd be happy to meet you — call our office to schedule a consultation.