Gum Grafting

When your gums begin to recede, it’s more than a cosmetic concern—it’s a sign that the protective barrier around your teeth is wearing away. Gum recession exposes the roots, increases sensitivity, and leaves the tooth more vulnerable to decay and structural damage. As periodontists at Lee Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontics, we specialize in restoring this lost tissue, rebuilding the support around your teeth, and protecting your smile for the long term. Gum grafting in Cupertino CA and San Francisco CA is one of the most effective ways to do exactly that.

Gum grafting isn’t just about replacing what’s missing; it’s about stopping recession in its tracks and preventing future damage. Many patients don’t realize how important the gumline is to overall oral health until sensitivity appears or the tooth begins to look longer than it used to. Fortunately, gum grafting allows us to bring the tissue back to a healthier position, strengthen the area, and improve both the health and appearance of your smile.

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Why Gum Recession Happens

Gum recession can develop gradually, making it easy to overlook until the situation becomes more noticeable. In most cases, it’s not caused by a single event but by a combination of factors that slowly weaken the gum tissue.

Common causes of gum recession include:

• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Aggressive brushing habits
• Genetics and naturally thin gum tissue
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Orthodontic movement
• Trauma to the gums
• Long-term plaque buildup

Regardless of the cause, the solution often involves reinforcing the gumline to protect the exposed roots and prevent further loss.

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What Gum Grafting Really Does

Gum grafting is a regenerative procedure that adds new, healthy tissue to areas where the gums have receded. The goal is not only to restore coverage to the roots but also to strengthen the natural tissue and create a more stable environment for your teeth.

Gum grafting helps:

• Cover exposed roots
• Reduce tooth sensitivity
• Improve gumline appearance
• Strengthen weak or thinning tissue
• Prevent future recession
• Protect against root decay
• Support long-term tooth stability

Think of it as reinforcing the foundation of a home—the stronger the support, the safer and more secure everything else becomes.

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Types of Gum Grafts We Perform

Every mouth is different, and the type of graft we choose depends on your anatomy, the location of the recession, and your long-term goals. As periodontists, we are trained in multiple grafting techniques and select the one that best fits your situation.

Connective Tissue Graft
The most common grafting method. Tissue is taken from beneath the surface of your palate and placed over the receded area to create natural-looking coverage.

Free Gingival Graft
Ideal for patients with very thin gums. This approach thickens the tissue and increases resilience, helping prevent future recession.

Donor Tissue Grafts
Uses medically processed graft material instead of tissue from the patient’s palate. This option is excellent for patients who want to avoid a second surgical site.

Pedicle Graft
Uses nearby gum tissue, repositioned to cover the exposed root. This technique works best when there is sufficient healthy tissue adjacent to the recession.

Each technique has its own advantages, and we’ll walk you through the best option during your consultation.

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What to Expect During the Procedure

Gum grafting may sound intimidating, but the process is far more comfortable than most patients imagine. With advanced techniques and effective local anesthesia or sedation options, the procedure is typically smooth and well-tolerated.

During your visit, you can expect:

• A thorough evaluation of the recession
• A discussion of grafting options
• Precise placement of graft tissue
• Protective sutures to secure the area
• Detailed postoperative instructions

Many patients are surprised by how manageable the recovery is, especially compared to what they expected beforehand.

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Healing and Recovery

Your gums need time to integrate the new tissue and heal fully. During this period, we ask patients to follow specific guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery.

Healing often includes:

• Soft food diet for the first few days
• Avoiding brushing the grafted area initially
• Using prescribed rinses to keep the site clean
• Minimal discomfort that improves steadily
• Follow-up visits to monitor progress

Over the next few weeks, the graft blends naturally with your surrounding gum tissue, creating a healthier and more attractive gumline.

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Why Gum Grafting Matters for Long-Term Oral Health

Gum grafting does more than solve a cosmetic problem—it protects the long-term integrity of your teeth. When roots are exposed, they become much more vulnerable to decay, abrasion, and sensitivity. Recession can eventually contribute to loose teeth or tooth loss if left untreated.

Long-term benefits of gum grafting include:

• Stronger, healthier gum tissue
• Improved support for the teeth
• Reduced risk of further recession
• Lower likelihood of root decay
• Enhanced comfort and reduced sensitivity
• A more balanced, natural-looking smile

This procedure is a long-term investment in your oral health and overall comfort.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Gum Grafting?

Most patients with moderate to severe gum recession can benefit from gum grafting. During your consultation, we assess your gum tissue, bone levels, and overall periodontal health to determine the best approach.

You may be an ideal candidate if you have:

• Exposed roots
• Sensitivity to temperature
• Gumline that appears uneven or receding
• Thin or fragile gum tissue
• A history of periodontal disease
• Discomfort when brushing certain areas

Even if your recession seems minor, early treatment often prevents more extensive procedures later.

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A Restored Gumline, a Stronger Smile

Gum grafting is one of the most effective ways to repair gum recession and protect your oral health for years to come. By rebuilding the gumline, we strengthen the support around the teeth and restore both function and aesthetics. The procedure can transform not only the look of your smile but also the way your teeth feel and function every day.

As periodontists at Lee Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontics, our focus is on preserving your natural teeth for as long as possible—and healthy gums are essential to making that happen. If you're noticing changes in your gumline or experiencing sensitivity, gum grafting in Cupertino CA and San Francisco CA may be the solution that brings comfort, protection, and confidence back to your smile.