Oral Surgery
Soft Tissue Grafts in Sarasota, FL
Restoring gum coverage to protect roots and strengthen your smile.
Soft tissue grafting is a surgical procedure that adds gum tissue to areas where recession has exposed tooth roots. Gum recession can lead to sensitivity, root decay, and continued tissue loss if left untreated. A graft reinforces the gum line, covers exposed roots, and creates a thicker, more resilient band of tissue that protects your teeth for the long term.
Dentistry Designed Around Whole-Body Health
Graft Types
Soft Tissue Grafting Options
Several grafting techniques are available depending on the location and severity of recession, the thickness of existing tissue, and aesthetic goals.
- Connective tissue graft A small piece of tissue is taken from beneath the surface of the palate and placed over the exposed root. The most common and versatile technique.
- Free gingival graft A thin layer of tissue is taken directly from the palate surface and placed at the recession site. Used primarily to thicken thin gum tissue rather than to cover roots.
- Pedicle graft Adjacent gum tissue is partially cut and rotated over the exposed root. Requires sufficient tissue next to the recession site and offers excellent blood supply for healing.
- Allograft or collagen matrix Donor tissue or a biocompatible collagen membrane replaces the palate as the graft source, eliminating a second surgical site and reducing post-operative discomfort.
Warning Signs
Signs You May Need a Gum Graft
- Teeth that appear longer than they used to or look uneven along the gum line
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods—especially near the root
- Visible root surfaces where gum tissue has pulled away from the tooth
- A notch you can feel at the gum line when you run your fingernail across the tooth
- Thin, fragile gum tissue that tears easily during brushing
- Progressive recession that has worsened over the past several years
The Procedure
Soft Tissue Graft Step by Step
Evaluate
Recession depth, tissue thickness, and root condition are assessed to determine the best graft type.
Prepare
The recipient site is prepared and the graft tissue is harvested or a donor membrane is readied.
Place
The graft is precisely positioned over the exposed root and secured with fine sutures.
Heal
New blood vessels integrate the graft with surrounding tissue over the following weeks, creating a strong, permanent attachment.
Biological Perspective
Supporting the Body’s Natural Healing
Healthy gum tissue is the first line of defense for your teeth and the underlying bone. When recession exposes root surfaces, it creates vulnerability not just to decay but to continued bone loss. Soft tissue grafting restores this protective barrier, working with the body’s biology to re-establish the seal between gum and tooth that nature intended.
We select graft materials based on biocompatibility, healing potential, and what will achieve the best long-term outcome for each patient’s unique anatomy.
Protect Your Roots
Restore the Gum Line Before It’s Too Late
Gum recession does not reverse on its own, and it tends to worsen over time. Contact our Sarasota office to discuss whether a soft tissue graft can protect your teeth and improve your comfort.
Soft Tissue Grafts FAQ
- What is a soft tissue graft?
- A soft tissue graft is a surgical procedure that adds gum tissue to areas where recession has exposed the tooth root. The graft covers the root, reduces sensitivity, and prevents further tissue loss.
- Is gum grafting painful?
- The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you feel nothing during surgery. The donor site on the palate can be sore for a few days afterward. Allografts and collagen matrices eliminate palate discomfort entirely.
- How long does recovery take?
- Most patients feel comfortable within a week. The graft site takes two to three weeks to heal fully, and the palate donor site—if used—heals within two weeks.
- Will the graft match my natural gum tissue?
- Yes. As the graft heals and integrates, it blends with surrounding tissue in both color and texture. Within a few months, it is typically indistinguishable from natural gum.
- Can gum recession come back after grafting?
- A well-placed graft creates durable coverage. However, the underlying cause of recession—aggressive brushing, grinding, or periodontal disease—must be addressed to prevent new recession in other areas.
- How many teeth can be treated at once?
- Multiple adjacent teeth with recession can often be treated in a single procedure. The number depends on the severity of recession and the amount of donor tissue available.
- What if I do not want tissue taken from my palate?
- Donor tissue (allograft) and collagen matrices are effective alternatives that avoid a palate harvest. Your treatment plan will consider which option offers the best result for your situation.
- Does insurance cover gum grafting?
- Many dental insurance plans cover soft tissue grafts when they are medically necessary to treat recession or protect tooth structure. Coverage varies by plan and we can help verify your benefits.
- What causes gum recession?
- Common causes include aggressive tooth brushing, periodontal disease, teeth grinding, misaligned teeth, thin genetic tissue type, and tobacco use.
- Can I eat normally after a gum graft?
- A soft, cool diet is recommended for the first one to two weeks. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods near the surgical site until healing is well underway.
Office Hours
