Need a Gum Graft Surgery? Here's What You Should Know (2025)

Gum graft surgery, also known as gingival grafting, is a surgical procedure that removes gum tissue from one area and places it in another. It’s often used to cover exposed tooth roots or correct gum recession.

Reasons to Get Graft Surgery

A dentist may recommend gum graft surgery for a few reasons, including:

• Gum recession: Receding gums may expose the roots of the teeth.
• Exposed roots and sensitivity: If the teeth's roots are already exposed, a gum graft may be necessary.
• Gum disease: Since gum disease can lead to gum recession, a graft may reduce the risk.
• Tooth decay: Exposed roots of teeth can increase the risk of tooth decay, which can be remedied with a gum graft.
• Cosmetic appearance: Some people may opt for a gum graft to change the appearance of their smile.

Types of Gum Graft Procedures

There are three types of gum graft procedures, each tailored to a person's unique needs. These include:

• Connective tissue graft: This procedure involves opening a small area in the roof of the mouth. A piece of connective tissue is then taken from below the top tissue and stitched back into the gums where there is an issue. This type is the most commonly performed for routine gum recession.
• Free gingival graft: A free gingival graft is performed by taking a small piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth, cutting it off, and placing it back into the gums where there is root exposure or recession. It is often used to reduce further gum recession or if someone has thinner gum tissue, and a connective tissue graft isn't the best option.
• Pedicle graft: A pedicle graft involves cutting open a flap of the gum next to the recessed area. The flap covers the receding tissue.

The Procedure

When you arrive for a gum graft, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area so you don’t feel the procedure. A gum graft doesn’t typically require general anesthesia.

Recovery and Aftercare

You will be able to go home shortly after the procedure. Your dental care provider will give you instructions to ensure adequate healing.

In the first few days, you may experience pain and swelling in the area. This is completely normal and can be remedied by taking over-the-counter pain relievers or using ice packs.

You should also eat soft and cold foods and avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods for at least three weeks following a gum graft. Avoid any activity that could cause bleeding, and get plenty of rest.

Cost of Surgery

Unless you are covered by insurance, a gum graft can cost anywhere between $600 to $1,200 for one tooth or one small area. If you have a larger area or more than one gum graft is needed, that cost will likely rise.

Side Effects and Complications

Gum grafting is generally considered safe, but in rare cases, complications can arise, including:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Swelling beyond what is normal
• Nerve damage
• Tissue rejection

Alternatives

There are a few alternative options to gum grafting for recession. They include:

• Pinhole surgical techniques, which involve making a small hole in the gumline in the recessed area and loosening the gum tissue before re-covering the exposed root
• Scaling and root planing, which involve removing accumulated tartar buildup to let the gums heal
• Adding removable gingival veneers that hide areas where the gums have receded

Summary

If you experience gum recession, your dental healthcare provider will likely suggest gum grafting if no other options will be effective. It can also be used as a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of your smile.

Since gum grafting can be expensive, it's essential to know your options beforehand and address gum recession as soon as it starts.