Gum Surgery

Gum Graft Surgery

Gum graft surgery is a dental procedure for treating thinning gums or gum recession. Gum grafting covers exposed teeth roots and adds volume to your gum line, improving overall oral health. Recovery usually takes one week to two weeks, but it may take longer. Gum grafting has a good success rate and can reduce your risk of severe gum disease.

What is a gum graft?

A gum graft is a type of dental surgery. It treats gum recession, a condition where your gums pull away from your teeth and expose the roots underneath. Exposed teeth roots increase your risk of tooth decay, sensitivity and bone loss around teeth. Gum grafting replaces the lost tissue around your teeth and improves your overall oral health.

Gum grafting surgery is usually done by a periodontist (a gum specialist). In the U.S., a periodontist receives three additional years of focused training after graduating from a four-year dental school.

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Who needs to have gum grafting?

Your dentist will likely recommend gum grafting if you have gum recession. In many cases, receding gums are a symptom of severe gum disease, but people can also be genetically prone to thinning gums. You can also develop gum recession if you brush too aggressively.


How common is gum graft surgery?

Before the procedure, the dentist or oral surgeon will review the patient's medical history and take any necessary X-rays or scans to evaluate the tooth and surrounding structures.

What happens during gum graft surgery?

There are many gum grafting techniques and materials available. Periodontists commonly take tissue from your palate (the roof of your mouth) and move it to the area of recession. In some cases, though, they may use a substitute grafting material, which they can purchase from a licensed bone and tissue bank.

During a gum graft surgery, your periodontist will:

  • Give you local anesthesia. This numbs your teeth and gums in that area. Many periodontists also offer sedation dentistry options for your comfort, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation and IV sedation. Be sure to ask about your options during your initial visit.
  • Prepare the site. Once you’re comfortable, your periodontist makes an incision (cut) and creates a small flap in your gums. They’ll also thoroughly clean your teeth roots.
  • Harvest the gum graft. Next, your surgeon creates another incision on the roof of your mouth and removes a small wedge of inner tissue. The outer layer remains intact. They’ll close the site using sutures or periodontal dressing.
  • Place the gum graft. Next, your surgeon places the gum graft over your exposed teeth roots (the area of recession).

What happens after gum grafting?

After your gum graft surgery, you’ll probably have gauze and dressing in place. Typically, you can remove the gauze after about 30 minutes. The dressing may fall out on its own during the first few days or your provider may remove it at your next appointment. Your surgeon will monitor you until it’s safe for you to go home. If you had sedation for your procedure, you’ll need a trusted friend or family member to drive you.

Your periodontist will provide you with detailed post-surgical guidelines. You should follow these closely to reduce your risk of pain and infection.

What’s the gum graft recovery timeline?

Your surgeon will probably want to check on your gum graft one week later. Then, you’ll have routine follow-ups until your periodontist releases you back to your general dentist for continuing care.