Periodontal Care
Soft Tissue Grafts in Fullerton, CA
Restoring gum tissue where it has receded.
When gums pull back from the teeth, roots are left exposed. A soft tissue graft rebuilds that gum line to protect them.
What Is a Soft Tissue Graft?
A soft tissue graft, often called a gum graft, adds gum tissue where the gum line has receded. Recession can follow gum disease, aggressive brushing or the way the teeth and gums are built. As the gum pulls back, it exposes the root, which can feel sensitive and is more vulnerable to wear and decay. In a graft, tissue is placed over the area of recession, often taken from the roof of the mouth or from donor material, and secured so it heals into place. The result is thicker, healthier gum coverage over the roots.
Why a Gum Graft May Help
Common reasons to treat gum recession.
- Exposed Roots To cover roots left exposed by receding gums.
- Sensitivity To ease sensitivity from exposed root surfaces.
- Protection To help protect the roots from wear and decay.
Signs of Gum Recession
Teeth that look longer than before, a notch you can feel near the gum line, or new sensitivity to cold can all be signs of recession. We measure your gums at checkups so changes are caught early.
What to Expect
- An exam and gum measurements
- Local anesthetic for comfort
- A healing period of soft foods and gentle care
- Follow-up to check how the graft has settled
Related Gum Care
Gum health starts with scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance.
The short answer
A soft tissue graft, often called a gum graft, adds gum tissue where the gum line has receded and left tooth roots exposed. Tissue, often taken from the roof of the mouth or from donor material, is placed over the recession and secured so it heals into place. The thicker gum coverage helps protect the roots from wear and decay and can ease the sensitivity to cold that exposed roots often cause, with a follow-up visit to check how the graft has settled.
Soft Tissue Graft FAQ
- What causes gum recession?
- Recession can follow gum disease or aggressive brushing. The way the teeth and gums are built can also play a part. We look at the likely cause before recommending treatment.
- How does a gum graft work?
- Tissue is placed over the area of recession and secured so it heals into place. It is often taken from the roof of the mouth or from donor material. The result is thicker gum coverage over the roots.
- Will a graft help with sensitivity?
- Exposed roots can feel sensitive, especially to cold. Covering them with gum tissue can ease that sensitivity. It also helps protect the roots from wear and decay.
- What is recovery like?
- You will be given soft-food and gentle-care instructions while the area heals. Some tenderness is normal at first. A follow-up visit checks how the graft has settled.
Insurance & Financing
Benefits and participation vary by plan. Please contact our office so we can help you verify your coverage and understand your options before treatment.
CareCredit and Cherry are available. Terms and approval are set by each provider.