Specialist periodontal & implant care — Beverly Hills
350 S Beverly Drive, Suite 160 (310) 553-2940
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Gum Grafting

Gum Grafting

If your teeth look longer or feel sensitive near the gumline, we can assess the recession and discuss whether grafting would help.

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What happens when gums recede.

Gum grafting is part of periodontal plastic surgery, which addresses the health and appearance of the gums. Recession exposes part of a tooth’s root. You may notice sensitivity, a change in appearance, or an area that is harder to keep comfortable and clean. Gum thickness, inflammation, tooth position, and brushing habits can contribute.

We measure the recession and assess the tissue around each tooth. Some areas can be monitored; others may benefit from grafting. We explain what treatment could achieve for your situation.

Dr. Miles Madison and Dr. Ethan Madison teach gum grafting techniques to other dentists and dental specialists. Together, they co-direct Everyday Soft Tissue Mastery at gIDE, the Global Institute for Dental Education.

Coverage, comfort, and tissue support.

  • Increase tissue thickness

    Grafting can strengthen a thin area of gum and prevent further recession. The approach depends on the tissue, tooth position, and your goals.

  • Cover exposed roots

    In suitable areas, a graft can improve root coverage and the appearance of your smile. The dentin and cementum exposed at the root are 10 times more susceptible to decay than enamel. Covering exposed roots can help protect these vulnerable surfaces.

  • Address sensitivity

    Tissue thickening and root coverage may help with sensitivity. We also discuss treatments that can reduce sensitivity without surgery.

Planning and placing a graft.

  1. 01

    Assess the area

    We measure the recession and discuss contributing factors and any changes over time. Photographs or scans may be used to track changes, in addition to measurements.

  2. 02

    Choose an approach

    We discuss the technique and whether tissue from your palate or another graft material suits the area.

  3. 03

    Perform the procedure

    Local anesthesia keeps the area numb. Fine instruments and magnification help us handle the tissue precisely.

  4. 04

    Support healing

    We provide written aftercare instructions and review the area as it heals.

Give the graft time to heal.

Soreness varies with the number of teeth treated, the technique, and whether tissue is taken from your palate. Discuss work and other commitments with us so you can plan time to recover. Most of our patients have very little discomfort after grafting procedures.

You will need to protect the area and adjust eating and cleaning while it heals. Follow your written instructions and check with us before resuming brushing at the graft. The tissue continues to mature over the following months.

Before & after

Treatment results

Before and after photographs from our practice. Treatment and healing vary from person to person.

Generalized gum recession across the upper arch, with exposed root surfaces and worn notches at the gum line on the canines and premolars
The same upper arch after grafting, with the gum margins restored over the previously exposed roots
Root coverage without a palatal graft This patient had gum recession of more than 5 mm across several teeth and preferred to avoid taking tissue from the palate. Donated tissue was placed using a tunneling technique. The after photograph shows the resulting root coverage.

Compare the photographs to see the area before and after treatment.

Gum Grafting FAQ

Questions about gum grafting.

Will the graft look natural?

We plan for a gumline that blends with the surrounding tissue. Color, thickness, and the amount of root coverage vary with the site and technique.

How long does a graft last?

Results can be stable long term. We assess the factors contributing to recession and discuss home care and follow-up to help maintain the area.

Does all recession need surgery?

No. Stable areas may be monitored, and sensitivity can sometimes be managed with other treatments. We consider your symptoms, tissue thickness, and evidence of progression.

What if I want to avoid tissue from my palate?

Donor material may be suitable for some cases. We explain its benefits and limitations compared with using your own tissue.

Can you treat the gap in the gum between two teeth?

The small triangle of gum is called the papilla. Treatment is less predictable in this area and depends partly on the bone and tooth contact. Surgical, orthodontic, or restorative options may be considered.

Do both doctors perform gum grafting?

Yes. Both doctors treat recession and teach soft-tissue surgery together through gIDE. They can discuss the approach suited to your case.

Related treatments

Consultation

Have your gums assessed.

We will measure the recession and tell you whether we recommend a graft or continued monitoring.

Request a Consultation (310) 553-2940