Gum Grafting in Tacoma, WA

Advanced Soft Tissue Restoration.

Receding gums expose the roots of your teeth, causing sensitivity, increasing the risk of decay, and changing the appearance of your smile. Gum grafting restores the tissue that covers and protects those roots. At OSYNTRA, Dr. Ghadri performs gum grafting for both functional and cosmetic reasons, with results that are lasting and natural-looking.

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What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession happens when the gum tissue that surrounds and covers your teeth pulls back, exposing the root surface. It’s gradual enough that many patients don’t notice it until sensitivity sets in or a dentist points it out.

Common causes include:

Periodontal disease (the most common cause)
Aggressive brushing over many years
Thin gum tissue by nature
Tooth grinding (bruxism)
Orthodontic treatment that moves teeth beyond the bone envelope
Genetics: some people simply have thinner tissue

Recession doesn’t reverse on its own. Once gum tissue is lost, it doesn’t grow back without treatment.

Close-up of gum recession on lower teeth

Why Gum Grafting Matters?

Exposed roots aren’t just sensitive. They’re vulnerable. Root surfaces don’t have the protective enamel that covers the crown of a tooth. They’re more prone to decay, and once a root is exposed, the structural support for the tooth is compromised.

Gum grafting:

Covers exposed root surfaces and reduces sensitivity
Stops or slows further recession
Protects roots from decay
Improves the overall appearance of your gumline
Supports long-term tooth stability

What to Expect

Before the Procedure

Our team will examine the recession sites and discuss which grafting technique is most appropriate for your specific anatomy and goals. You’ll receive clear instructions for the days before your procedure.

Day of Procedure

Gum grafting is done under local anesthesia. Most patients feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. Depending on the number of sites being treated, the appointment typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.

Recovery

Expect mild to moderate soreness and swelling for 1 to 2 weeks. A soft-food diet is recommended during initial healing. The palate donor site, if used, typically heals faster than patients expect. Our team will see you for follow-up appointments to monitor healing and suture removal.

Results

The grafted tissue integrates with the existing gum over the course of several weeks to months. Results are long-lasting. Recession at the treated sites should not recur if contributing factors, like brushing technique, are addressed.

How Many Teeth Can Be Treated at Once?

It depends on the extent of recession and the locations involved. Some patients need a single site treated; others have generalized recession across multiple teeth. Dr. Ghadri plans treatment based on what’s realistic to accomplish in a single surgical session and what will produce the best outcome. Multiple sessions may be recommended for extensive recession.

Types of Gum Grafting

The right technique depends on your anatomy and goals. These are the approaches we use most often.

Connective Tissue Grafting

Connective tissue grafting is the most common procedure used to treat gum recession. During this procedure, a small amount of tissue—typically taken from the roof of the mouth—is placed over exposed tooth roots to restore lost gum tissue, reduce sensitivity, protect the tooth from further recession, and improve the appearance of your smile. At OSYNTRA, we use microsurgical techniques whenever possible to promote faster healing and natural-looking results.

Free Gingival Grafting

Free gingival grafting is designed to increase the width of healthy gum tissue surrounding the teeth or dental implants. This procedure is commonly recommended for patients with thin gums or areas where additional protective tissue is needed to reduce the risk of future recession and improve long-term periodontal health. Our goal at OSYNTRA is to create a stronger, healthier gum foundation that supports lasting oral health.

Donor Tissue Grafting

Donor tissue grafting uses specially processed donor tissue, known as an acellular dermal matrix, to treat gum recession without requiring tissue to be taken from the roof of your mouth. This approach can reduce post-operative discomfort while effectively covering exposed roots, protecting teeth from further recession, and improving smile aesthetics. At OSYNTRA, we carefully evaluate each patient to determine whether donor tissue grafting is the most appropriate treatment option for their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The procedure itself is done under local anesthesia and is generally well-tolerated. The palate donor site causes more postoperative discomfort than the recipient site. Most patients manage with over-the-counter pain relievers, though a prescription may be provided for the first few days.

Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, though the full healing process takes 4 to 6 weeks. Soft foods are recommended for the first 2 weeks.

Many patients return to desk work the following day. Physical jobs may require a few days off. Avoid strenuous exercise for about one week.

Gum grafting for functional reasons, treating recession that threatens the tooth’s structural stability, is often covered by dental insurance, at least in part. Purely cosmetic procedures may not be. We recommend contacting your insurer and can provide documentation to support your claim.

The recession at treated sites typically does not recur, especially if the contributing factors (technique, grinding, gum disease) are addressed. This is something Dr. Ghadri will discuss with you at your consultation.

Receding Gums Don’t Get Better On Their Own

If you’ve noticed increased sensitivity, visible root exposure, or your dentist has mentioned recession, don’t wait. A consultation with Dr. Ghadri is the first step.

Address: 2424 Mildred St W, Suite A, Tacoma, WA 98466

(253) 357-0023 Schedule Consultation