Gum grafting

Thoughtful care
for receding gums.

Gum grafting may address recession, protect exposed root surfaces, improve tissue support, and help create a healthier relationship between the teeth and gums.

Understanding gum recession

When the gum line
begins to change.

Gum recession occurs when the margin of the gum tissue moves away from its previous position, sometimes exposing part of a tooth root.

Periodontal disease, tooth position, thin tissue, brushing habits, anatomy, previous dental treatment, and other individual factors may contribute. An evaluation is needed to understand a specific site.

Why grafting may be recommended

Support shaped around
the individual site.

Grafting is not necessary for every area of recession, and complete root coverage cannot be promised.

01

Protect Exposed Roots

Grafting may help protect vulnerable root surfaces where recession has occurred.

02

Improve Tissue Support

Treatment may increase tissue thickness and support around an individual site.

03

Address Recession

A graft may be considered for appropriate areas of changing gum position.

04

Support Periodontal Health

Health, cleansability, stability, and tissue contours are considered together.

Soft-tissue expertise

Planning begins with
the tissue itself.

Treatment is planned around the amount and quality of existing gum tissue, the location of recession, tooth position, and the desired long-term support. Depending on the site, a specialist may consider approaches such as connective-tissue grafting or tunneling techniques. Phenotype modification refers to increasing tissue thickness or quality where appropriate.

Our Newtown practice provides specialist-led soft-tissue care for patients from Bucks County, Greater Philadelphia, and nearby New Jersey.

Form + function

Healthy tissue should feel
considered from every angle.

Periodontal plastic surgery considers tissue health alongside the relationship between gum tissue, teeth, and the overall smile. Esthetic and biologic goals are evaluated together without assuming that every site can or should be treated in the same way.

Designed for precision. Delivered with artistry.

What to expect

A considered path
from planning to healing.

Technique and healing depend on the individual site and treatment plan.

  1. 01

    Evaluation

    We assess recession, tooth position, tissue quality, periodontal health, and individual anatomy.

  2. 02

    Treatment Planning

    The grafting approach is selected around the needs and limitations of the site.

  3. 03

    Gum Grafting

    The planned soft-tissue procedure is performed with attention to support and tissue handling.

  4. 04

    Healing

    The site is monitored as healing progresses according to the individualized plan.

  5. 05

    Long-Term Care

    Home care and professional maintenance help support periodontal health over time.

Gum grafting FAQ

Questions, answered
with clarity.

01

What is gum grafting?

Gum grafting is a soft-tissue procedure used to add tissue where recession or limited tissue support is present.

02

Why do gums recede?

Contributing factors may include periodontal disease, tooth position, thin tissue, brushing habits, anatomy, previous dental treatment, and other individual factors.

03

Does every area of gum recession need a graft?

No. Recommendations depend on the site, symptoms, tissue stability, periodontal health, and long-term concerns.

04

Can gum grafting cover an exposed tooth root?

Root coverage may be possible in some situations, but the achievable result depends on anatomy, tooth position, tissue condition, and other site-specific factors.

05

How is the grafting approach selected?

Planning considers the amount and quality of tissue, location of recession, tooth position, periodontal health, and desired long-term support.

06

How long does gum grafting take to heal?

Healing varies by technique, site, individual biology, and extent of treatment. Your specific instructions and follow-up plan are reviewed with you.

07

Can gum recession return?

Tissue position can change over time. Consistent home care, professional maintenance, and attention to contributing factors may help support stability.

It starts with you

A thoughtful conversation
is a good place to begin.

An evaluation can help you understand an area of recession and whether gum grafting may be appropriate.

638 Newtown Yardley Road
Suites 1C–1D
Newtown, PA 18940
Call (215) 968-9601