Suite 603, 8 Elsie Street, Burwood NSW 213402 8188 6688
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Gum & Dental Specialist Centre — Regenerate for good

Gum grafting & root coverage

Soft tissue grafting

Gum grafts add or reposition gum tissue to cover exposed roots, thicken thin gums and protect teeth and implants from further recession.

A graft may be recommended to

  • Cover exposed, sensitive roots
  • Stop recession that is getting worse
  • Thicken thin, fragile gums
  • Improve the gum around an implant
  • Protect gums before or during orthodontics
Treatment room with city views

Types of graft

Connective tissue graft

Tissue from under the surface of the palate, placed beneath the gum. The most widely studied option for covering roots.

Free gingival graft

A thin layer from the palate placed on the surface, mainly to build a band of firm gum where there is very little.

Tissue substitute

A collagen matrix used instead of your own tissue in suitable cases, so no second site on the palate.

Harvesting a gum graft from the palate, and a collagen matrix as an alternative
Left: a graft of your own tissue taken from the palate. Right: a collagen matrix, which in suitable cases avoids a second surgical site.
Four stages of a gum graft over an area of recession
  1. 1 The gum around the recession is outlined.
  2. 2 The gum is gently prepared to receive the graft.
  3. 3 The graft is positioned over the exposed root.
  4. 4 The gum is moved up over the graft and stitched.

How it's done

Under local anaesthetic, the gum around the affected teeth is prepared and the graft is positioned and secured with fine stitches. Where suitable, we use a tunnel technique that slides the graft under the gum through small openings rather than larger incisions. Several neighbouring teeth can often be treated in one visit.

Recovery

  1. First days

    Some swelling and tenderness, especially on the palate if tissue was taken from there. Soft, cool foods.

  2. First weeks

    Don't brush the graft area — you'll use a mouth rinse instead until we review you and remove stitches.

  3. Months

    The graft continues to mature and blend in. We show you a gentle brushing technique to protect it.

Realistic expectations

How much of a root can be covered depends on the type of recession and the bone between the teeth. Full coverage isn't always achievable, but thicker, healthier gum is a worthwhile result in its own right. We'll explain what is realistic for you before treatment.

Common questions

Is the palate the sore part?

Often, yes. A protective plate or dressing can make it more comfortable, and a tissue substitute avoids the palate altogether when it's suitable.

Can gum be grafted around an implant?

Yes. Thicker, firmer gum around an implant can make it easier to clean and improve its appearance. Problems with an implant.

Will the recession come back?

Results are generally stable when the cause — often hard brushing or gum disease — is addressed and the area is maintained.