Connective Tissue Grafting (Gum Graft)
Protecting Your Gums. Preserving Your Smile.
Gum recession is common and often progresses slowly over time. While it may not always cause pain, exposed roots and thin gum tissue can lead to sensitivity, increased wear, inflammation, and long-term tooth or implant complications. Soft tissue grafting, also known as connective tissue grafting, is a predictable procedure designed to strengthen and protect vulnerable areas.
Our goal is not just cosmetic improvement — it’s long-term stability and protection of your teeth and implants.
Why Is Gum Grafting Important?
Connective tissue grafting is a procedure in which healthy tissue is placed around teeth or implants that have recession, thin gum tissue, or minimal keratinized tissue. In most cases, the graft is taken from the roof of the mouth (autogenous tissue) or from a safe donor source and placed in areas that need added thickness and support.
Over time, this graft becomes integrated, creating stronger, more resilient gum tissue.
Why do I need treatment if this doesn't hurt?
Many patients say, “It doesn’t hurt, so why treat it?”
The challenge is that recession and tissue thinning often progress quietly.
Benefits of connective tissue grafting include:
- Thickens thin or fragile gum tissue
- Helps slow or stop further recession
- Protects exposed root surfaces
- Reduces sensitivity
- Improves tissue health around implants
- Makes gums more resistant to inflammation and breakdown
- Enhances long-term tooth and implant stability
In certain cases, partial root coverage can be achieved. However, the primary goal is tissue thickness and stability, especially when bone loss is present.
Will My Gums Grow Back?
Gum grafting does not regenerate lost bone, and full root coverage is not always possible. The amount of coverage depends on:
- Existing bone levels
- Tissue thickness
- Tooth position
- Severity and duration of recession
Even when full root coverage is not achievable, thicker tissue provides significant long-term protection and helps prevent the problem from worsening.
When Is Grafting Recommended?
Soft tissue grafting may be recommended if you have:
- Gum recession
- Thin tissue phenotype
- Minimal keratinized tissue
- Inflammation that does not respond well to hygiene alone
- Sensitivity from exposed roots
- Implants with tissue thinning or recession
- Areas that are difficult to keep clean
What Is the Procedure Like?
- Performed under local anesthesia
- Typically completed in one visit
- Gentle surgical technique focused on comfort and healing
- Most patients return to normal activities within a few days
We provide detailed post-operative instructions and closely monitor healing to ensure the best possible outcome.
What Happens If Recession Is Left Untreated?
Without treatment, recession and thin tissue may:
- Continue to worsen over time
- Increase sensitivity
- Lead to inflammation and root decay
- Compromise teeth or implants
- Make future treatment more complex
Think of gum grafting like reinforcing the foundation of a house — even if it looks fine today, added support prevents problems later.
Our Philosophy
We take a conservative, individualized approach. Not all recession requires surgery, and not every area needs grafting. When treatment is recommended, it is because it offers meaningful long-term benefit — not just short-term cosmetic improvement.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’ve been told you have gum recession or thin tissue, a consultation can help determine whether soft tissue grafting is right for you. Together, we’ll review your options and create a plan focused on long-term health, stability, and comfort.
Google Reviews
DONA G
Dr Gromov did an excellent job with my implant - I am very happy to have chosen him for my operation. My implant operation was complicated by the fact that the spacing between the surrounding teeth was quite small, and there needed to be a bone graft & sinus lift due to it being two years post-extraction. However, Dr. Gromov did an efficient and beautiful job with my implant, and I also appreciated that he put me at ease with the operation, since I was quite nervous beforehand. Dr. Gromov is a caring and experienced expert in his field and I would highly recommend him to others
DIANA OLEX
I do not regret a minute I chose Dr Gromov. He is a great professional who knows and admires what he does. His confident experience and attitude towards patients and work are outstanding! Doctor was on time, he greeted me with a smile that made me feel calm. He explained to me what he needed to do in steps. I had few easy shots as then he extracted my 2 teeth without any pain and I was surprised how quickly I had my 2 implants installed right after.. I felt really happy I was in good hands and made the right choice! Thank you, Dr Gromov
B. MONIUSZKO
Dr. Gromov is a great Doctor! He is not only an expert in implants but he is also an expert in numbing. He is great at what he does! He is very professional, very nice and very gentle. I like how he explains everything (step by step) what he does in my mouth and doesn't scare me. He is always very responsive even on the weekends! His staff is as amazing as the doctor. In addition to all of this Dr. Gromov has a very nice office. I strongly recommend Dr. Gromov! Great service! 5!!!