If your gums are receding, your teeth are more sensitive than they used to be, or your smile looks “toothy,” gum tissue grafting may be the right solution. Gum grafting is a well-established periodontal procedure that replaces lost gum tissue, protects exposed tooth roots, and restores the natural appearance of your gumline. At Laudenbach Periodontics & Dental Implants, Dr. Jay Laudenbach and Dr. Ishita Bhavsar have performed hundreds of gum grafting procedures in Philadelphia, guiding patients through every step with clear communication and gentle care.
Our team brings over 20 years of trusted experience in advanced periodontal procedures. Dr. Laudenbach is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a graduate of the Penn Periodontics program. Dr. Bhavsar is a graduate of the University of Kentucky periodontics program and is board eligible for the American Board of Periodontology. Together, they provide personalized care with the latest techniques to ensure optimal results for every patient.
What Is Gum Tissue Grafting?
Gum tissue grafting is a periodontal surgical procedure that treats gum recession, which occurs when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth and exposes the root surface. Recession can result from periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, genetics, or bite force issues. When the roots are exposed, teeth become vulnerable to decay, increased sensitivity, and eventual loosening.
A gum graft replaces lost tissue to protect the tooth root, reduce sensitivity, and restore the appearance of your gumline. Research shows that connective tissue grafts, the most common type, achieve high success rates when performed by experienced periodontists.
Types of Gum Grafts
Not all gum grafts are the same. Our team evaluates the severity and pattern of your recession to recommend the most appropriate technique for your situation.
- Connective tissue graft: The most commonly performed technique. A small flap is created in the roof of the mouth, and tissue from underneath is harvested and placed over the exposed root. This approach produces predictable, natural-looking results and is appropriate for most recession patterns.
- Free gingival graft: Tissue is taken directly from the surface of the palate and grafted to the recession site. This technique is typically used when additional keratinized (firm, protective) gum tissue is needed.
- Pedicle (lateral) graft: Nearby gum tissue is repositioned to cover the recession area without removing tissue from the palate. This option works when sufficient gum tissue exists adjacent to the recession site.
- Allograft (donated tissue): When palate tissue is unavailable or the patient prefers to avoid a donor site, processed donated tissue may be used. This eliminates the palate incision and reduces recovery discomfort while achieving comparable outcomes.
Your periodontist will discuss which approach is best suited to your anatomy, the number of teeth involved, and your treatment goals.
What to Expect During the Gum Grafting Procedure
We understand gum grafting can feel intimidating, and we take every step to make the process comfortable and clearly understood. Here is what a typical procedure involves.
Before the procedure, we perform a thorough consultation that includes measuring your gum pocket depths and evaluating how far recession has progressed. We use this data to develop a treatment plan specific to your needs. Local anesthesia is administered at the beginning of the procedure to numb both the recipient site (where the graft is placed) and the donor site if palatal tissue is used. Sedation options are also available for patients who prefer additional comfort. Once you are fully comfortable, we prepare the recession site by making a small incision to create a pocket for the graft tissue. The exposed tooth roots are cleaned thoroughly at this stage. If your own tissue is used, we create a small incision in the roof of your mouth and carefully harvest the appropriate amount of connective or gingival tissue, leaving the outer palatal tissue intact. If donated tissue is used, this step is skipped. We then position the graft tissue over the exposed root area and secure it with sutures. The graft creates a new foundation for gum tissue coverage and root protection.
Following the procedure, we provide clear and easy-to-follow care instructions to support proper healing. Most patients resume normal activity within a few days, with soft food restrictions typically lasting one to two weeks. Full healing of the grafted tissue generally occurs over several weeks.
Recovery and Results
Gum grafting recovery is manageable for most patients. Mild swelling and tenderness at both the graft site and the palate (if applicable) are normal in the first few days. Cold compresses and any prescribed medications help keep discomfort at a minimum. Avoiding hard, crunchy, or spicy foods during the initial healing period protects the graft while it integrates.
The results are lasting. A successful gum graft reduces root sensitivity, lowers the risk of decay on the exposed root surface, helps stabilize teeth by restoring the tissue that supports them, and creates a more even, balanced appearance to the gumline. These outcomes are supported by ongoing periodontal maintenance to keep the surrounding tissue healthy.
Schedule Your Gum Grafting Consultation at Laudenbach Periodontics
Receding gums do not improve on their own, but they are highly treatable when addressed early. At Laudenbach Periodontics & Dental Implants, our team brings the clinical precision and patient-focused communication that complex periodontal procedures require. We invite you to take advantage of our comprehensive $199 consultation, which includes all necessary X-rays, full periodontal charting, and a complete series of photos at no additional charge.
Learn more about our approach and the full range of periodontal therapy options we offer, or contact our Philadelphia office to schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward restoring your gum health.
