Receding gums can alter the appearance and feel of your smile. When the gums pull away from the teeth, the roots become exposed, often leading to sensitivity, discomfort, and a “long tooth” appearance. Everyday habits like brushing too hard, teeth grinding, or the natural effects of aging can make gum tissue wear away over time.
Gum recession can put your oral health at risk. At Grand Family Dentistry, we use soft tissue grafting to rebuild and strengthen weakened gum tissue. It restores protection around your teeth, improves comfort, and gives your smile a healthier, more balanced look.
What Is Soft Tissue Grafting?
Soft tissue grafting is a minor surgical procedure that replaces or reinforces gum tissue around exposed roots. It helps restore areas affected by gum recession and strengthens the gum line to protect the teeth from further damage. The goal is to cover the exposed root or add thickness to thin gums, thereby reducing sensitivity and improving both health and aesthetics.
Several techniques are employed in this type of treatment, and the approach is tailored to your specific needs. A free gingival graft takes a thin layer of tissue from the roof of the mouth. That tissue is then placed on the recessed gum area to strengthen and thicken the existing gums.
A connective tissue graft (which is the most common method) uses subepithelial tissue from under the surface of the palate to cover larger areas or exposed roots. In some cases, a pedicle graft enables us to reposition nearby gum tissue, protecting an exposed root by utilizing its own natural blood supply for faster healing.
While this procedure may sound complex, advances in dental technology have made soft tissue grafting more predictable and comfortable than ever. Most patients report that recovery is much easier than they expected.
What to Expect During a Soft Tissue Graft Procedure
Before the soft tissue graft procedure, we perform a deep cleaning to remove any plaque or bacteria above and below the gum line. This helps create a clean environment for healing. Once the area is ready, we apply local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the process.
We then prepare the recipient site and carefully place the donor tissue onto the affected area. The tissue is secured with fine sutures that hold it in place as it begins to integrate with your natural gums. Some cases benefit from the use of platelet-rich growth factors or tissue-stimulating proteins, which accelerate healing and promote the formation of new tissue.
After treatment, patients often experience some mild soreness or swelling that gradually subsides over the next few days. Most return to regular routines within a week, though full healing takes several weeks.
During recovery, we recommend avoiding brushing or flossing near the grafted site, eating soft foods like yogurt or eggs, and using a prescribed mouth rinse to keep the area clean. As the gums heal, you’ll notice sensitivity decrease and your gum line starts to look healthier and more uniform.
The Lasting Benefits of Soft Tissue Grafting
The results of soft tissue grafting go beyond cosmetic improvement. Restoring gum coverage helps protect the roots from decay, prevents further tissue loss, and reduces sensitivity to hot or cold foods. The procedure also helps stabilize teeth that may have loosened due to gum recession.
The most rewarding part of treatment is seeing the patient’s smile look fuller and more natural again. It restores confidence and creates a better foundation for lasting oral health. With proper care and routine visits, the results of soft tissue grafting can last for many years.
Restore Your Gum Health with Grand Family Dentistry
At Grand Family Dentistry, we take pride in creating healthy, confident smiles through personalized care and advanced technology. From preventive cleanings to restorative procedures, our general family dentistry services support every stage of your oral health journey.
Noticing gum recession, increased tooth sensitivity, or changes in your smile? Now is the time to take action. Our experienced team offers soft tissue grafting in Mandeville, LA to protect your teeth and promote healthy gum tissue. Schedule your visit today and let us help you rebuild your smile from the roots up.