When the roots of your teeth become exposed, it can lead to uncomfortable sensitivity, unaesthetic gum contours, and other oral health concerns. Soft tissue grafting is a predictable way to address recession by covering the exposed areas and helping protect your teeth from further damage. At Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in Dallas, we are committed to making every patient feel comfortable while helping them achieve a healthier smile.
Our board-certified periodontists, Dr. Beth Tomlin and Dr. Stephanie Bowers, are dedicated to working closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan.. If you are dealing with gum recession, they will help identify the underlying causes and guide you through every step of treatment with confidence and compassion. You will never be left to manage your condition alone; we will be with you every step of the way.
What Is Soft Tissue Grafting?
Soft tissue grafting, also called gum grafting, is a procedure that restores gum tissue where it has receded or become thin. When the gums pull away from the teeth, it exposes the roots and can lead to sensitivity, inflammation, cavities, and in severe cases, possible loss of the tooth.
Grafting involves placing a small amount of donor gum tissue in the affected area to rebuild the gum tissue and support the health of the surrounding teeth. This treatment helps protect exposed roots, reduce sensitivity, and create a healthier, more stable foundation for your long-term oral health. We’ll recommend the grafting technique that best fits your individual needs.
When Might I Need Soft Tissue Grafting?
Gum Recession Exposing Tooth Roots
When the gum tissue pulls away and exposes the tooth roots, it leaves those surfaces vulnerable to damage. You might notice sensitivity when brushing or eating cold foods, or see a visible notch near the gumline. You may also experience more sensitivity during dental appointments while your hygienist cleans along the gumline. Some patients also notice increased bleeding and inflammation along with gum recession. A gum graft can help rebuild theis protective layer of tissue, cover the exposed root, and support the surrounding tissue.
Aesthetic Concerns About Uneven or Receding Gums
Some patients seek treatment because of noticeable changes in how their gums look. Gums that appear uneven, or too thin, in certain areas can affect the aesthetics of your smile. Gingival grafting can restore the gumline and help your smile appear healthier and more proportionate, while also preventing the future complications of gum recession.
Preparation for Other Dental Procedures
In some cases, soft tissue grafting is part of the preparation for procedures like a crown or dental implants. When the gum tissue is too thin or has receded too much, it may not provide the stability needed to support a new tooth. Strengthening the tissue through grafting often improves the outcome of other necessary dental work and reduces the risk of dental implant failure.
What Are the Benefits of Soft Tissue Grafting?
Soft tissue grafting is a relatively simple procedure that supports long-term oral health and stops gum tissue recession. This procedure not only restores lost gum tissue but can also reinforce areas that may be at risk for future problems. It helps reduce the chances of complications such as continued root exposure, inflammation, or tooth mobility.
Benefits of soft tissue grafting may include:
- Protection of the vulnerable root surfaces for teeth. A more stable environment for implants, crowns, or other dental work
- Lower risk of future gum breakdown or root exposure
- Less discomfort during brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings
- Restores a natural, healthy proportion between teeth and gums
Why Choose a Periodontist for Soft Tissue Grafting?
Periodontists complete extensive training beyond dental school, with a focus on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. You’re in expert hands—periodontists perform soft tissue grafting frequently and with precision. They are uniquely qualified to evaluate the best treatment approach based on your anatomy and needs. When you choose a periodontist, you receive:
Precise Outcomes
Gum grafting surgery requires detailed planning and surgical accuracy to produce smooth, natural-looking results. A periodontist is trained to manage both the functional and aesthetic aspects of this type of procedure, minimizing trauma to the tissue and supporting faster, more comfortable healing.
An Integrated Approach to Long-Term Oral Health
Soft tissue grafting is often one part of a broader care plan that supports the longevity of your teeth and dental work and the health of soft tissues and bone. When your periodontist is involved in the treatment process, they keep your future oral health in mind and can recommend any other steps you can take to stay healthy.
Continuity of Care
At our practice, you will receive detailed pre and post op- instructions, personal check-ins, and direct access to our doctors and staff during each step of your care. Our commitment to clear communication and ongoing support is shared by the entire team, and we take pride in being available when you have questions or need reassurance. We also coordinate with your other practitioners, such as your general dentist and orthodontist, to make the process simple for you. Continuity of care is part of how we prioritize both your comfort and your long-term outcomes.
What Happens Before the Procedure?
Before any treatment is scheduled, we will thoroughly examine your gums and review any changes in your oral health that may be contributing to recession. Diagnostic tools such as X-rays or a 3D CBCT scan may be used to assess the surrounding structures and determine the extent of the tissue loss.
Your treatment plan will be personalized to your needs, and we’ll take the time to explain every step and why it matters. You will receive a folder during this visit with instructions to help you prepare for the procedure, and we will go over everything together to make sure all your questions are answered.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Gum grafting surgery is performed with your comfort and achieving effective results as our priorities. The grafting process involves gently removing a small piece of tissue from another area in the mouth, and placing it in the area where the gum has receded. Each patient and procedure are unique, but gum grafts usually take one to two hours to perform.
Does Soft Tissue Grafting Hurt?
The procedure itself is not painful, as we use a local anesthetic to keep the area numb throughout your appointment. Most patients elect to do IV conscious sedation for this procedure to ensure they feel deeply relaxed throughout. After the numbness wears off, you may feel some soreness or tightness in the treated area, but we provide specific post-operative instructions to help minimize any discomfort and keep you comfortable as you heal.
Where Does the Tissue Come From?
In many cases, the tissue used for soft tissue grafting is taken from the roof of the mouth, where there is a reliable source of healthy, firm tissue. Depending on the type of graft recommended, it may be taken directly from the surface or from deeper layers. In certain cases we are able to use donor tissue, a safe, medically processed graft material—to restore the lost gum tissue. The method depends on your individual needs, and we will always discuss the options with you so that you feel fully prepared and confident in your procedure.
What Happens After the Procedure?
After soft tissue grafting, you will leave with clear, customized post-operative instructions to help make your recovery smooth. We will check in with you by phone to see how you are doing, and you will also have a follow-up visits to ensure everything is healing as expected. You will be given your doctor’s cell phone number, so you have direct access if any questions or concerns arise after you return home.
You can expect the initial healing period to last about two weeks. During this time, the grafted tissue begins to integrate with the surrounding area, and any soreness improves with the simple care measures that we provide. The exact timeline is different for each person and will depend on the extent of your graft, and your overall oral health.
Your Soft Tissue Grafting Results
Grafted tissue eventually blends in with the surrounding gum tissue, and the result will look natural once the area has healed. Our goal is to restore a healthy, harmonious gum line that supports both the teeth and the smile. We pay attention to the unique shape and features of your mouth and gum line as we plan your grafting procedure, to ensure the end result looks as natural as possible.
Expert Soft Tissue Grafting in Dallas, TX
Gum graft procedures are carefully planned to improve long-term comfort, protect vulnerable teeth, and support future dental treatments. We are here to support you through every step of the process.Dr. Beth Tomlin and Dr. Stephanie Bowers combine their advanced training and years of experience with a genuine commitment to providing thoughtful, personalized care in every procedure.
If you are experiencing gum recession or have been advised to consider soft tissue grafting, we are available to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps. To request a consultation, please contact us at 214-522-9700 or visit Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry online.