Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is a periodontal surgery that restores gum tissue in areas where it has receded or worn away from the base of the teeth. During the procedure, Dr. Ramchand takes a small piece of tissue—typically from the roof of your mouth or from nearby gum tissue—and attaches it to the area where the gums have pulled back. The graft creates a protective barrier over the exposed root surface, reduces tooth sensitivity, and helps prevent further recession and bone loss. Gum grafting may also be performed using donor tissue material, which eliminates the need for a second surgical site in your mouth.

Gum recession can develop for several reasons. The most common cause is periodontal (gum) disease, where bacterial infection gradually destroys the gum tissue and underlying bone. Aggressive or improper brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush can physically wear away gum tissue over time. Genetics also play a role—some people are simply more prone to thin or insufficient gum tissue regardless of how well they care for their teeth. Other contributing factors include teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), misaligned teeth, hormonal changes, tobacco use, and lip or tongue piercings that rub against the gums. If you notice your teeth appear longer than they used to or you feel a notch near your gumline, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Ramchand.

Common signs that you may need a gum graft include visible root surfaces on one or more teeth, increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages, teeth that appear longer than normal, a noticeable notch or indentation where the gum meets the tooth, and gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing. Not all gum recession requires surgery—mild cases may be managed with changes in brushing technique and more frequent professional cleanings. However, moderate to severe recession typically needs grafting to prevent further tissue and bone loss. Dr. Ramchand will evaluate the extent of your recession during a periodontal examination and recommend treatment based on your specific situation.

There are three main types of gum graft procedures. A connective tissue graft is the most common approach. Dr. Ramchand creates a small flap in the roof of your mouth, removes a piece of connective tissue from beneath the flap, and stitches it to the area of recession. A free gingival graft takes tissue directly from the surface of the palate rather than from under a flap, and is often used for patients who have thin gum tissue and need additional thickness for protection. A pedicle graft uses tissue from the gum immediately adjacent to the recession site, rotating or shifting it over the exposed root. This option is only possible when there is sufficient healthy gum tissue near the affected tooth. The type of graft recommended depends on the location and severity of your recession, the thickness of your existing tissue, and your overall oral health.

Gum grafting is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure itself. For patients who experience dental anxiety, Bonham Sunshine Dental & Implant Center offers sedation dentistry options to help you stay relaxed and comfortable throughout treatment. After the anesthesia wears off, some soreness and discomfort at both the graft site and the donor site (usually the palate) are normal. Most patients describe the discomfort as mild to moderate and find it manageable with prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen. The discomfort from the donor site on the roof of the mouth typically feels similar to a pizza burn and usually improves steadily within the first week.

Most patients begin to feel significantly better within one to two weeks after surgery, though complete healing of the graft and donor sites can take several weeks to a few months depending on the size and type of graft. During the first one to two weeks, you will need to eat soft foods, avoid brushing or flossing near the surgical area, and rinse gently with a prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash or warm saltwater. Swelling and minor bruising are normal and usually peak around the second or third day before gradually improving. Dr. Ramchand will provide detailed post-operative instructions and schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing progress.

For the first one to two weeks following surgery, stick to cool or lukewarm soft foods that require minimal chewing. Good options include yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, smoothies (without a straw), lukewarm soup, applesauce, and pasta. Avoid foods that are hot, spicy, crunchy, acidic, or hard, as these can irritate or injure the graft site. Do not use a straw, as the suction can disturb the healing tissue. Also avoid seeds, nuts, chips, popcorn, and anything with small particles that could get lodged in the surgical area. As your healing progresses and Dr. Ramchand confirms the graft is integrating well, you can gradually return to your normal diet.

With proper care, a gum graft can last a lifetime in many cases. The grafted tissue integrates with your existing gum tissue and, once fully healed, functions just like the surrounding gums. However, the longevity of a graft depends on maintaining good oral hygiene habits, attending regular dental cleanings and periodontal maintenance visits, using a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle brushing technique, and addressing any underlying contributing factors such as teeth grinding or periodontal disease. Without consistent care, the gums can recede again over time. Patients who smoke or use tobacco products are at higher risk for graft failure and continued recession.

Untreated gum recession tends to worsen over time. As the gums pull further away from the teeth, more of the tooth root becomes exposed. Tooth roots are not protected by enamel like the crown of the tooth, making them highly vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, and physical wear. Progressive recession can also lead to loss of the supporting bone around the tooth, which may eventually result in loosening or loss of the tooth altogether. Additionally, exposed roots are more susceptible to notching (abrasion cavities) at the gumline. Early treatment gives the best chance of preserving the tooth, the bone, and the surrounding tissue. If you notice signs of recession, scheduling an evaluation sooner rather than later can prevent more complex and costly treatment down the road.

Yes. Bonham Sunshine Dental & Implant Center offers gum grafting as part of our comprehensive periodontal services. Dr. Kajuri Ramchand evaluates each patient’s gum health, discusses treatment options in detail, and recommends the type of graft best suited to your needs. We also offer sedation dentistry for patients who experience dental anxiety during surgical procedures. Our office serves patients from Bonham, Trenton, Savoy, Honey Grove, Dodd City, Leonard, Whitewright, and throughout Fannin County, Texas. To schedule a periodontal evaluation or ask questions about gum grafting, call us at 903-583-7786 or request an appointment online.