Receding gums occur when the tissue around the teeth pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This condition is progressive and, if left unaddressed, can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, decay, and ultimately, tooth loss. For many people, a gum graft is a recommended and effective solution to restore the protective gum line and maintain long-term dental stability.
What Gum Grafting Corrects
Gum grafting is a surgical procedure designed to address the physical consequences of receding gum tissue. The primary goal is to cover the exposed root surface of the tooth with new, healthy tissue. Restoring the gum line creates a protective barrier against external factors and bacteria.
Exposed tooth roots lack the hard enamel that protects the crown, making them highly vulnerable to decay and causing significant sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. The grafted tissue reduces this sensitivity and helps prevent further structural damage. Gum grafting is performed by a periodontist, a dental specialist focused on the gums and underlying jawbone.
Causes of Gum Recession
Recession is typically the result of mechanical forces, biological factors, and genetic predisposition. Overly aggressive brushing or the use of a hard-bristled toothbrush is a common mechanical cause, physically wearing away the delicate gum tissue. Biological factors, particularly periodontal disease, are major contributors.
These bacterial infections destroy the gum tissue and supporting bone, causing the gums to become inflamed and pull away. Genetic factors also play a role, as some individuals are predisposed to having naturally thin gum tissue. Other contributing issues include tobacco use and chronic teeth grinding or clenching, which stresses the gum tissues.
Prevalence of Gum Grafting Procedures
Gum recession is a common condition affecting a large portion of the adult population. Approximately 47.2% of adults aged 30 and older in the United States have some form of periodontal disease, the leading cause of recession. About 23% of adults have at least one tooth surface with a recession of three millimeters or more.
While recession is widespread, not every case requires a surgical graft; treatment depends on the severity and progression. For cases requiring intervention, gum grafting is one of the most frequently performed periodontal surgical procedures. The high success rate, often reported above 90%, confirms its standing as a routine and reliable treatment for significant gum loss.
The Gum Grafting Process and Recovery
The gum grafting procedure is performed in a single visit under local anesthesia. The periodontist selects the best technique based on the patient’s needs, commonly utilizing a connective tissue graft, free gingival graft, or a pedicle graft. A connective tissue graft, the most common type, involves removing tissue from beneath a flap on the roof of the mouth and placing it over the exposed root. The procedure usually takes one to two hours to complete, after which the new tissue is secured with sutures.
The initial recovery phase lasts approximately one to two weeks, requiring adherence to a post-operative care regimen. For the first week, a soft, cool diet is mandatory to avoid disturbing the graft, and strenuous activity is restricted. Patients must avoid brushing or flossing the surgical site, instead using a prescribed antibacterial mouthwash. Discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding are common in the first few days and are managed with prescribed pain relievers. A follow-up appointment is scheduled within one to two weeks to monitor integration, though full tissue integration often takes a month or more.