Soft Tissue Graft
A soft tissue graft, also known as a gum graft, is a periodontal procedure used to treat gum recession and restore healthy gum tissue around teeth or dental implants. The procedure involves placing healthy tissue over areas where the gums have receded or become thin. The primary goals are to create thicker, healthier gum tissue to help prevent further gum and bone loss, protect exposed tooth roots, reduce tooth sensitivity and, whenever possible, restore the gum line by replacing the lost tissue for improved function and aesthetics.
What Is Gum Recession?
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding a tooth gradually wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth root. Because this process is usually slow and painless, many patients do not notice it until the recession has become more advanced. One of the earliest signs is tooth sensitivity, especially to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages. You may also notice that the affected tooth appears longer than the surrounding teeth.
Even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, treatment with a soft tissue graft may still be recommended to help prevent further gum recession, protect against permanent bone loss, reduce the risk of root decay and preserve the long-term health and appearance of your smile.
Why Is a Soft Tissue Graft Needed?
A gum graft may be recommended if you have:
Benefits of Soft Tissue Grafting
What Will Happen if Gum Recession Is Left Untreated?
If left untreated, gum recession typically progresses over time and may lead to several oral health problems, including:
It is important to understand that the gum tissue and the underlying bone work together. Beneath the gum lies a thin layer of bone that supports the tooth. As the gum recedes, this supporting bone gradually shrinks as well. Unlike gum tissue, lost bone does not grow back on its own, making early treatment especially important.
Healthy teeth are surrounded by a thick band of keratinized (attached) gum tissue, which is more resistant to the everyday forces of brushing, chewing, and normal function. Once this protective tissue is lost, the area becomes more vulnerable to additional recession caused by routine mechanical forces and inflammation. As a result, the recession often continues to progress, and achieving complete root coverage with a soft tissue graft becomes less predictable. Treating gum recession early provides the best opportunity to preserve healthy gum and bone tissue and achieve long-lasting results.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession can result from a variety of factors, and in many cases, more than one cause is involved.
Identifying and correcting the underlying cause is an important part of treatment. Without addressing the contributing factors, gum recession may continue even after a successful soft tissue graft. Common causes include:
Chronic inflammation destroys the gum tissue and supporting bone, causing the gums to recede.
Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can gradually wear away the gum tissue.
Some people naturally have thin gum tissue or are more susceptible to gum recession, even with excellent oral hygiene.
Excessive biting forces can contribute to gum recession by placing additional stress on the teeth and supporting tissues.
Teeth that receive excessive biting forces may be more prone to localized gum recession.
Teeth that are positioned outside the normal contour of the jawbone often have thinner gum tissue and are more susceptible to recession.
Smoking and other tobacco products reduce blood flow to the gums and increase the risk of periodontal disease and gum recession.
Jewelry that repeatedly rubs against the gums can cause localized recession over time.
Types of Soft Tissue Grafts
Connective Tissue Graft
Tissue is taken from beneath the surface layer of the roof of the mouth (palate) and placed over the area of recession. This technique provides excellent root coverage and predictable long-term results.
Free Gingival Graft
A thin layer of tissue is taken directly from the palate and placed where additional gum thickness is needed. This technique is often recommended for patients with naturally thin gums.
Pedicle Graft
Instead of using tissue from another area, nearby gum tissue is gently repositioned to cover the exposed root. This option is only appropriate when there is sufficient healthy tissue adjacent to the recession.
Allograft (Donor Tissue)
In selected cases, specially processed donor tissue may be used instead of harvesting tissue from the patient’s palate, reducing post-operative discomfort while achieving excellent clinical results.
Is donor tissue (Allograft) safe?
Yes. Donor tissue (allograft) has been used safely in periodontal procedures for many years and is an excellent alternative to harvesting tissue from the roof of your mouth. The tissue is obtained from carefully screened human donors and is processed according to strict standards established by accredited tissue banks and regulatory agencies.
During processing, the tissue is thoroughly cleaned, sterilized, and tested to help ensure its safety. It serves as a scaffold that supports your body’s natural healing process. Over time, your own cells grow into the graft, and it becomes integrated with your natural gum tissue. Using donor tissue offers several advantages, including:
What Should I Expect During the Procedure?
What Should I Expect After the Procedure?
Recovery Timeline
First 24–48 Hours
▸Mild swelling and discomfort are common.
▸Use ice packs as directed.
Week 1
▸The graft begins attaching to the surrounding tissue.
▸Continue eating soft foods and avoid disturbing the area.
Weeks 2–4
▸Most tenderness resolves.
▸The gum tissue continues to mature and strengthen.
Several Months
▸Final tissue color and contour blend naturally with the surrounding gums.
What Results Can I Expect?
The primary goal of a soft tissue graft is to increase the thickness and strength of the gum tissue, helping to protect the tooth and prevent further gum recession. While improving the appearance of the gum line is an important benefit, complete root coverage is not always possible. The amount of root coverage that can be achieved depends on several factors, including:
In some cases, only partial root coverage can be achieved, and in more advanced cases, the shape or position of the gum line may change very little. This does not mean the procedure has failed. Even when complete root coverage is not possible, the graft can still significantly improve the thickness and quality of the gum tissue, reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity, protect the exposed root and help prevent further gum and bone loss. A successful soft tissue graft is measured not only by how much of the root is covered, but also by the long-term stability and health of the surrounding gum tissue.
Will the Gum Recession Come Back?
A successful soft tissue graft can provide long-lasting results, but gum recession can recur if the underlying cause is not addressed. To help maintain your results, it is important to:
When these factors are properly managed, the results of a gum graft are often stable for many years. Even if a small amount of future recession occurs, the grafted tissue is typically thicker, stronger and more resistant to further recession than the original tissue.
Can Gum Grafts Be Performed Around Dental Implants?
Yes. Soft tissue grafting can be successfully performed around dental implants to improve the health, thickness, and stability of the surrounding gum tissue. A gum graft may be recommended when there is thin or receding gum tissue around an implant, as thin tissue is more susceptible to chronic inflammation, discomfort, and future recession. The primary goal is to create a thick, healthy band of gum tissue that forms a stable protective seal around the implant.
Ideally, soft tissue grafting is performed before or at the time of implant placement, when it can optimize the quality and thickness of the surrounding tissue from the beginning. However, grafting can also be performed after the implant has healed and before the crown is fabricated.
Although soft tissue grafting is not necessary for every dental implant, it is an important part of treatment planning in many cases. In some situations, treatment may proceed without increasing the thickness of the surrounding gum tissue in an effort to reduce the initial cost. While this approach may lower the upfront expense, thin gum tissue around an implant is more prone to inflammation and recession and it may increase the need for corrective procedures in the future at an additional cost.
Benefits of Soft Tissue Grafting Around Dental Implants:
Learn More
The American Academy of Periodontology provides an excellent patient-friendly explanation of gum grafting:
OR CALL (561) 898-1010 TO GET STARTED.
(561) 898-1010
