Gum Grafting (Soft-Tissue Augmentation)

There are various indications for gum grafting. These typically include recession of the gums, exposure of the roots, thermal sensitivity, building up (augmenting) the gum tissue for cosmetic purposes, and repairing tissue after trauma.

Gum grafts can cover exposed roots that are cosmetically unpleasing or highly sensitive to hot/cold food and beverages. This is considered a Periodontal Plastic Surgery procedure.

Gum grafts are also performed in office and considered a minor surgery. Most times the procedure requires borrowing tissue from the palate to use in the affected area(s). A thin, plastic retainer is used after the surgery to protect the site from where the tissue is removed. The tissue is attached to the affected area using small sutures and an oral adhesive bandage.