SURGICAL CARE
Soft Tissue Grafts
Restore or reinforce gum tissue around selected teeth or implants when recession or tissue deficiency is present.
Gum recession exposes tooth roots and reduces the protective tissue around a tooth, and soft tissue grafting is used to add tissue back to selected areas, improving coverage, thickness or long-term stability.
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SURGICAL DENTISTRY
Soft Tissue Grafts at Valencia Dental Office
Gum recession can expose tooth roots and reduce the protective tissue around teeth. Soft tissue grafting adds gum tissue to selected areas to improve root coverage, tissue thickness or long-term stability.
Complete root coverage isn’t always achievable, and candidacy depends on the specific recession pattern, which is why treatment planning starts with a careful evaluation.
THE PROCEDURE
How Grafting Is Performed
- Evaluating the recessionThe pattern, depth and likely cause of recession are assessed first.
- Selecting a techniqueThe graft approach best suited to the site is chosen based on your evaluation.
- Placing and securing tissueGraft tissue is placed and secured over or near the deficient area.
- Healing and follow-upFollow-up visits confirm the graft is healing and integrating as expected.
WHY RECESSION IS ADDRESSED
Protecting Exposed Roots
- Exposed root surfacesRecession leaves the root surface without the protective covering that healthy gum tissue provides.
- Increased sensitivityExposed roots can be more sensitive to temperature and touch than enamel-covered surfaces.
- Thinner tissue over timeAreas of recession are often more vulnerable to further recession without intervention.
- Cause mattersUnderstanding what’s driving the recession informs whether grafting alone will address the concern.
GRAFT SOURCES
Where Graft Tissue Comes From
Different tissue sources are used depending on the case and site.
Your own tissue
Tissue taken from elsewhere in your mouth, often the palate.
Donor tissue
Processed donor tissue avoids the need for a second surgical site.
Combination techniques
Some cases use more than one source or technique for the best coverage.
WHAT AFFECTS THE OUTCOME
Setting Realistic Expectations
Complete root coverage isn’t guaranteed in every case, and your dentist will discuss a realistic outcome based on your specific recession pattern.
Controlling contributing factors, like a heavy brushing technique or certain habits, supports the graft’s long-term success once healing is complete.
IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOU?
When to Schedule a Visit
Not every area of recession requires grafting, and complete root coverage is not always possible. Candidacy depends on recession anatomy, bone support, tooth position and control of contributing factors.
- You’ve noticed a tooth root becoming visible where the gum has receded
- Exposed root surfaces have become sensitive to hot, cold or brushing
- Your dentist has identified an area of recession worth monitoring or treating
- You want to protect an area before recession progresses further
Soft Tissue Grafts FAQ
- What does soft tissue grafts involve?
- Gum recession can expose tooth roots and reduce the protective tissue around teeth. Soft tissue grafting adds gum tissue to selected areas to improve root coverage, tissue thickness or long-term stability.
- How do I know whether this treatment is appropriate for me?
- Not every area of recession requires grafting, and complete root coverage is not always possible. Candidacy depends on recession anatomy, bone support, tooth position and control of contributing factors.
- What should I expect from the treatment process?
- The recession pattern and cause are evaluated first. Graft tissue is placed and secured over or near the deficient area using the technique best suited to the site.
- Is soft tissue grafting painful?
- The area is numbed for the procedure, and your dentist will guide you on managing any discomfort during recovery.
- Will the graft fully cover the exposed root?
- This depends on the specific case; complete coverage isn’t always achievable, and your dentist will discuss what’s realistic for your recession pattern.
- What causes gum recession in the first place?
- Several factors can contribute, including brushing technique, gum disease, tooth position and certain habits; your dentist can help identify likely causes.
- How long is recovery after a soft tissue graft?
- This varies by technique and the area treated; your dentist will give you guidance specific to your procedure.
- Can grafting prevent future recession?
- It can improve tissue thickness and stability in the treated area, though controlling contributing factors also matters for long-term results.
