Gum Grafting: How Light Dental Studios Restores Your Smile and Protects Your Oral Health 

Have you been experiencing increased tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, or teeth that appear longer than usual? These could be signs of gum recession—a condition that affects 30–70% of the population, according to periodontal research by Light Dental Studios’ very own Dr. Amit Gharpure . While it may seem like just a cosmetic concern, recession of the gums can lead to tooth sensitivity, root decay, bone loss, and even tooth loss if left untreated. 

Thanks to advances in modern periodontal care, treating gum recession is now more effective than ever. One of the most reliable treatments is gum grafting—a specialized procedure that restores the gumline, protects exposed tooth roots, and supports both your oral health and smile appearance. At Light Dental Studios, our expert periodontists are ready to help you tackle gum recession at many of our convenient locations throughout the South Puget Sound region. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through what gum grafting is, how it works, and why it’s a valuable treatment option for maintaining a healthy smile long term. 

Why Gum Recession Matters: A Closer Look at the Science and Risks 

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth begins to wear away or pull back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This exposure can result from several factors, including: 

• Brushing too aggressively 
• Periodontal (gum) disease 
• Genetics 
• Poor oral hygiene habits 
• Teeth grinding or orthodontic misalignment 

Once roots are exposed, teeth become increasingly sensitive, more susceptible to decay, and less stable overall. If left untreated, recession can progress to bone loss and eventually tooth loss. 

Beyond these immediate concerns, gum recession also poses long-term risks to the health of dental implants, not just natural teeth. Research by periodontal experts, including Dr. Amit Gharpure, has consistently highlighted the critical role that healthy, adequate gum tissue plays in maintaining both implant stability and oral health longevity. His published studies emphasize that sufficient soft tissue coverage supports:  

• Improved plaque control 
• Reduced inflammation around teeth and implants 
• Enhanced protection from bone loss 
• Stronger long-term clinical outcomes 

In both natural dentition and implant dentistry, a stable band of gingival tissue is foundational. The growing body of evidence from Dr. Gharpure and others reflects a paradigm shift: soft tissue management is no longer just aesthetic—it’s a cornerstone of functional and preventive periodontal care. 

What Is Gum Grafting? 

Gum Grafting is a specialized surgical procedure performed by periodontists to restore receding gums. It involves placing new gum tissue (either from your own mouth or a donor source) over exposed roots to rebuild the gumline. 

This treatment is not only predictable and safe—it’s also one of the most effective ways to: 

• Reduce tooth sensitivity 
• Protect against root cavities 
• Prevent further gum and bone loss 
• Improve the look and balance of your smile 

Types of Grafts 

Depending on your specific case, your periodontist may recommend one of several grafting techniques: 

1. Connective Tissue Graft (Most Common) 

Considered the gold standard for root coverage, this technique involves harvesting a small piece of connective tissue from beneath a flap on the roof of the mouth (the palate). The graft is carefully positioned over the exposed root surface and secured with fine sutures to encourage stable healing. The palatal flap is then repositioned and sutured, allowing the donor site to heal naturally. This method is highly effective in improving gum thickness and achieving long-term coverage of exposed tooth roots. 

2. Free Gingival Graft 

This technique also utilizes the palate as the donor site, but instead of accessing tissue beneath the surface, a thin layer is taken directly from the surface of the palate. Unlike the connective tissue graft, the free gingival graft is primarily used to increase the width and thickness of thin or delicate gum tissue, rather than to cover exposed roots. By reinforcing the gumline, it creates a stronger, more resilient barrier against further recession and trauma. 

3. Pedicle Graft 

This technique uses the patient’s own nearby gum tissue to cover an area of recession. A flap is created from the gum adjacent to the affected tooth, partially cut to preserve its blood supply, and gently repositioned over the tooth root exposure. The flap is then secured with sutures to promote healing and integration. Because it relies on tissue from the surrounding area, this method is only suitable when there is an adequate amount of healthy gum tissue next to the recession site. 

4. Allograft (Donor Tissue) 

When a patient prefers to avoid a second surgical site—or when there isn’t enough suitable tissue available from the patient’s own mouth—a medically processed human donor graft can be used instead. This material is obtained from accredited tissue banks and is thoroughly screened, sterilized, and prepared to ensure both safety and biocompatibility. Allografts can offer a less invasive option with predictable outcomes, especially in cases requiring broader tissue coverage 

What to Expect During Your Procedure 

Grafting is typically performed under local anasthesia, much like any routine dental procedure, to ensure your comfort throughout.  For patients who feel anxious or are undergoing more extensive treatment, oral or itravenous (IV) sedation  options are also available—similar to those used during colonoscopies or endoscopic procedures.   

Here’s what you can expect during a typical gum grafting appointment: 

1. Preparation of the Site 
   The periodontist begins by thoroughly cleaning the tooth root surface and preparing the area to receive the graft. 
2. Placement of the Graft 
   The selected graft material—whether autogenous (your own tissue) or donor-based—is carefully positioned over the recession site and secured with fine sutures. These are often self-dissolving, reducing the need for removal. 
3. Healing and Integration 
   As healing begins, new blood vessels grow into the graft tissue, helping it integrate seamlessly into the surrounding gums and reestablishing a stable, healthy gumline. 

With proper aftercare, most patients experience a smooth recovery and early signs of healing within the first few days. 

Why Gum Grafting Matters: Functional and Aesthetic Benefits 

The benefits of gum grafting extend far beyond cosmetic improvements. While it does enhance the visual harmony of your smile, its clinical significance is even more profound—particularly when it comes to long-term oral health. 

Key advantages: 

Reduced Tooth Sensitivity 
Covering sensitive roots helps alleviate discomfort from hot, cold, or sweet foods by shielding the root surfaces that lack protective enamel. 

Defense Against Root Decay and Wear 
The graft acts as a barrier, protecting the vulnerable root surface from decay, abrasion, and other forms of damage. 

Stabilized Gum Tissue 
By halting the progression of gum recession, grafting prevents further loss of gum tissue and the underlying bone structure that supports your teeth. 

Improved Aesthetic Balance 
A healthy, even gumline restores the natural contour of your smile, creating a more balanced appearance. 

Support for Dental Implants 
As emphasized in the research of Dr. Amit Gharpure and others, adequate gum tissue is critical for the long-term success of both natural teeth and dental implants. Strong, healthy tissue helps with plaque control, reduces inflammation, and contributes to the stability and longevity of implants. 

Grafting isn’t just a cosmetic fix—it’s a proactive, science-backed solution for preserving oral health and ensuring the longevity of both your smile and your dental work. 

Are There Risks with Gum Grafting? 

Gum grafting is a safe and reliable procedure, but like any surgical treatment, it comes with some potential risks: 

• Temporary swelling, bruising, or discomfort 
• Soreness at the donor or graft site 
• Rare complications like infection or graft failure 

Following your periodontist’s post-op instructions carefully is key to a smooth, successful recovery. 

Post-Op Care: What You Need to Know 

Your healing is just as important as the procedure itself. Here’s what to expect and how to care for your mouth after your grafting: 

• You’ll wear a protective stent (similar to a night guard) to shield the donor site on the roof of your mouth. 
• Maintain meticulous oral hygiene 
• Stick to a soft, cool diet and avoid spicy, crunchy, or hot foods that could irritate the area. 
• Avoid direct brushing or flossing near the graft site until your provider gives the green light. 
• Use any prescribed antimicrobial rinse exactly as directed to keep bacteria under control. 
• Refrain from smoking, strenuous physical activity, and avoid pulling or tugging at the graft site. This includes pulling your lips back to check progress. 
• Attend all follow-up appointments so your periodontist can monitor healing and provide guidance. 

With careful care and attention, most patients recover comfortably and achieve long-lasting, stable results. 

A Final Word 

Gum grafting remains a cornerstone of advanced periodontal care, providing a reliable and effective treatment for gum recession. By carefully restoring lost gum tissue, this procedure not only improves the natural appearance of your smile but also offers essential protection against tooth sensitivity, root decay, and further tissue loss. Leading research, including the work of Dr. Gharpure, highlights the critical role of healthy soft tissue for maintaining natural teeth and ensuring the long-term success of dental implants. 

If you’re experiencing gum recession or want to protect your oral health, don’t wait. Book an appointment today with Dr. Gharpure or one of our other expert periodontists at our Puyallup, Bonney Lake, Covington, or Lilly Road clinic. Take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile! 

1. Bhatavadekar NB, Gharpure AS, Chambrone L. Long-Term Outcomes of Coronally Advanced Tunnel Flap (CATF) and the Envelope Flap (mCAF) Plus Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft (SCTG) in the Treatment of Multiple Recession-Type Defects: A 6-Year Retrospective Analysis. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2019 Sep/Oct;39(5):623-630. doi: 10.11607/prd.4026. PMID: 31449570.
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6. Gharpure AS, Latimer JM, Aljofi FE, Kahng JH, Daubert DM. Role of thin gingival phenotype and inadequate keratinized mucosa width (<2 mm) as risk indicators for peri-implantitis and peri-implant mucositis. J Periodontol. 2021 Dec;92(12):1687-1696. doi: 10.1002/JPER.20-0792. Epub 2021 May 2. PMID: 33856690.