Receding gums are more common than most people realize, and they are not just a cosmetic concern. When gum tissue pulls back and exposes more of the tooth or its root, it can lead to sensitivity, decay, and even tooth loss if left unaddressed. Gum grafting is a procedure designed to restore lost tissue, protect the tooth structure, and help stabilize your long-term oral health.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, we take a conservative, biomimetic approach to every treatment we recommend. Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, brings a thorough, patient-first perspective to periodontic care, which means gum grafting is only discussed when it genuinely serves your health. Our trusted team is here to tell you what you should know about the procedure and how to tell if it may be right for you, so you can make the best decision for your oral health.
What Is Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting, also called a gingival graft, is a surgical procedure in which soft tissue is placed over areas where the gums have receded. The goal is to cover exposed root surfaces, reinforce thin gum tissue, and reduce the risk of further recession.
There are a few common types of grafts used depending on the patient’s needs and the degree of recession. Each approach is chosen based on how much coverage is needed and where the donor tissue comes from. The most frequently used options include:
- Connective tissue graft: Tissue taken from beneath the surface of the palate and placed over the recession site; considered the most common approach for root coverage
- Free gingival graft: Tissue taken directly from the surface of the palate; often used when the goal is to thicken thin gum tissue rather than cover a root
- Pedicle graft: Tissue shifted from healthy gum adjacent to the recession site; ideal when there is sufficient nearby gum tissue to work with
Each approach has its place, and the right choice depends on your specific anatomy and what you and Dr. Sharbash decide together.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession does not happen overnight. It tends to develop gradually, often as the result of habits or conditions that go unnoticed for years. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2 in 5 adults in the United States are affected by some form of periodontal disease, making gum health one of the most prevalent oral health concerns in the country.
Beyond gum disease, recession may also be tied to aggressive brushing, clenching or grinding, naturally thin gum tissue, certain medications, or misalignment. In many cases, a patient has no idea their gums have moved until they notice increased sensitivity or a longer-looking tooth. Gum disease treatment is often a necessary first step before grafting is considered, as grafting onto inflamed or active tissue does not yield predictable results.
Signs You Might Need a Gum Graft
Not every patient with gum recession needs a graft. However, certain signs suggest the situation warrants a closer look and a conversation with your dentist. You may be a candidate for gum grafting if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Root sensitivity: Pain or discomfort when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods, which may indicate the root is exposed
- Visible root exposure: The tooth appears longer than it used to, or you can see the yellowish root surface below the gumline
- Progressive recession: The gum line continues to migrate upward despite consistent brushing habits
- Thin gum tissue: Some patients have naturally minimal gum tissue that may not adequately protect the tooth over time
If these signs sound familiar, a thorough evaluation will help determine whether grafting, monitoring, or a different treatment is the right path forward.
How the Procedure Works
The gum grafting process involves a brief surgical procedure, typically completed in a single visit under local anesthesia. Depending on which type of graft is used, tissue may be harvested from the roof of the mouth or repositioned from nearby gum tissue. The grafted tissue is then secured over the exposed area and allowed to heal and integrate over the following weeks.
Recovery is manageable for most patients, though some soreness and dietary restrictions are expected in the first week or two. The benefits, including reduced sensitivity, protected root surfaces, and a more balanced gum line, often make it well worth the short recovery period.
For patients with more advanced concerns, gum grafting may be one component of a larger full-mouth reconstruction plan. After healing, complementary restorative work, such as dental crowns, may also be considered to address any damage to the exposed root structure that occurred during the period of recession.
Talk to Newport Beach Dental Center About Your Gum Health
Gum recession is worth taking seriously, but having it evaluated does not mean committing to a procedure. Dr. Sharbash’s conservative philosophy means treatment is always weighed against your individual circumstances, and grafting is recommended only when it serves a clear clinical purpose. As a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), she holds advanced credentials earned by fewer than 6% of general dentists nationwide, and her approach reflects that depth of training.
Whether you have noticed increased sensitivity, visible recession, or simply want a baseline assessment of your gum health, our team is here to help. We welcome CareCredit and Cherry financing to keep care accessible, and we are in-network with Delta Dental. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and get the answers you need.
