Is gum grafting painful?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you feel no pain during treatment. Mild to moderate discomfort afterward is normal and typically manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication for three to five days.

How long is the recovery from gum grafting?

Initial healing takes one to two weeks, during which you should eat soft foods and avoid the graft area. Complete tissue maturation takes approximately two to three months.

Will I need multiple gum grafts?

This depends on how many areas of recession need treatment. Multiple teeth can often be treated in a single surgical session, or we may stage the treatment over separate appointments for comfort.

Can gum recession grow back on its own?

No. Once gum tissue is lost, it does not regenerate on its own. Gum grafting is the only way to restore lost tissue and cover exposed roots.

What causes gum recession?

Common causes include gum disease, aggressive brushing, genetics, teeth grinding, misaligned teeth, tobacco use, and lip or tongue piercings. We identify the cause during your assessment to prevent recurrence.

Is gum grafting covered by insurance?

Many dental benefits plans cover gum grafting when performed for health reasons. As a non-assignment practice, we provide a detailed receipt for your benefits provider.

Can I use donor tissue instead of tissue from my palate?

Yes. We offer alloderm and collagen matrix grafts that use processed donor tissue, eliminating the palatal donor site and reducing post-operative discomfort.

How successful is gum grafting?

Gum grafting has a high success rate when performed by an experienced clinician and when patients follow post-operative care instructions. Root coverage of 80 to 100 percent is typically achieved depending on the severity and location of the recession.

Will the graft match my natural gum colour?

Yes. Over the healing period, the grafted tissue integrates with your existing gum and typically matches the surrounding tissue in colour and texture.

How do I prevent recession from coming back?

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle technique, maintain excellent oral hygiene, wear a custom nightguard if you grind your teeth, and attend regular dental check-ups. Patients with gum recession who also grind their teeth should consider custom nightguards to prevent further recession caused by excessive bite force.

Do you offer gum grafting near Oakridge Mall?

Yes. Oakridge Park Dental is located in the Oakridge neighbourhood at 305–650 West 41st Avenue, just minutes from Oakridge Mall and the Canada Line. Our laser dentistry capabilities allow us to perform minimally invasive gum procedures with reduced bleeding and faster healing times.

OUR TREATMENTS

Gum Graft

Expert Gum Grafting Treatment in Vancouver BC — Restore Receding Gums, Reduce Sensitivity, and Protect Your Teeth

Gum recession can expose the roots of your teeth, leading to sensitivity, increased risk of decay, and aesthetic concerns that affect your confidence. At Oakridge Park Dental in the Oakridge neighbourhood near Cambie and 41st Avenue, we offer expert gum grafting procedures to restore lost gum tissue, protect your teeth, and improve your smile’s appearance and health.

Gum recession is a gradual process that often goes unnoticed until significant tissue loss has occurred. As the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, the root surface becomes exposed—creating sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet stimuli, increasing vulnerability to root decay, and changing the proportions of your smile. Left untreated, recession can progress to the point where tooth stability is compromised. Gum grafting is the most effective treatment for restoring lost tissue and preventing further recession.

Our experienced Vancouver dental team performs gum grafting procedures with precision and care, using advanced techniques and materials to achieve natural-looking results with comfortable recovery. Patients from Oakridge, Cambie, Marpole, Kerrisdale, South Vancouver, and across the Lower Mainland trust our clinic for periodontal care that prioritises both health and aesthetics. Whether you have noticed your teeth appearing longer than they used to, are experiencing sensitivity along the gumline, or have been told by another dentist that you have recession, we invite you to schedule a thorough assessment at our clinic to explore your treatment options.

Whether your gum recession is caused by periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, genetic predisposition, or orthodontic treatment, our team provides gentle, precise gum grafting procedures that restore both the health and aesthetics of your gum tissue for long-lasting, natural-looking results. Our practice also offers composite bonding to restore tooth surfaces exposed by recession.

What Is Gum Grafting?

Gum grafting—also called soft tissue grafting or periodontal plastic surgery—is a procedure that involves transplanting healthy gum tissue to areas where recession has occurred. The transplanted tissue integrates with the existing gum, creating a thicker, more resilient band of tissue that covers exposed roots, protects against further recession, and restores a more natural gumline appearance. At Oakridge Park Dental, we perform gum grafts using tissue harvested from the roof of your mouth (palate), tissue from an adjacent area of gum (pedicle graft), or processed donor tissue (alloderm or similar collagen matrix) that eliminates the need for a palatal donor site. The choice of technique depends on the location and severity of the recession, the thickness of your existing tissue, and your personal preferences regarding recovery.

Why Do Gums Recede?

Gum recession can result from a variety of factors, and understanding the cause is essential for preventing recurrence after grafting. Periodontal (gum) disease is the most common cause—bacterial infection destroys the gum tissue and underlying bone that support the teeth. Aggressive or improper brushing technique can wear away gum tissue over time, particularly when using a hard-bristled toothbrush or excessive pressure. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role—some patients are simply more susceptible to thin, fragile gum tissue regardless of their oral hygiene habits. Teeth that are misaligned or positioned outside the arch of bone can have thinner gum coverage and are more prone to recession. Grinding or clenching (bruxism) places excessive forces on the teeth and supporting tissues, contributing to recession. Lip or tongue piercings can irritate and wear away gum tissue through repetitive contact. Tobacco use reduces blood flow to the gums and impairs tissue health. During your assessment at our Oakridge clinic, we identify the contributing factors and address them as part of your treatment plan to maximise the long-term success of the graft.

Types of Gum Grafts

At Oakridge Park Dental, we offer several gum grafting techniques to address different types and severities of recession. Connective tissue grafts are the most commonly performed type. A small flap is created in the palate, and a thin layer of connective tissue is removed from beneath the flap. This tissue is then placed over the exposed root and sutured in position. The palatal flap is closed, and both sites heal simultaneously. This technique provides excellent root coverage and a natural-looking result. Free gingival grafts involve taking a small piece of tissue directly from the surface of the palate and attaching it to the recession site. This technique is particularly useful for thickening thin gum tissue rather than covering exposed roots. Pedicle grafts use gum tissue from an area immediately adjacent to the recession site. The tissue is partially cut and rotated or slid over to cover the exposed root. This technique is only possible when there is adequate tissue next to the affected area. Alloderm and collagen matrix grafts use processed donor tissue instead of tissue from your own palate, eliminating the palatal donor site and reducing post-operative discomfort. This option is well-suited for patients who prefer a less invasive approach.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from gum grafting is generally straightforward, and most patients return to their normal routine within a few days. You can expect mild to moderate discomfort at the graft site and the palatal donor site (if applicable) for the first three to five days, which responds well to prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Some swelling and bruising are normal and typically resolve within a week. During the first two weeks, you should eat soft, cool foods and avoid the graft area when chewing. Do not brush or floss the graft site until your dentist advises it is safe to do so—typically after one to two weeks. Avoid strenuous exercise for the first few days, as increased blood pressure can promote bleeding. Do not smoke, as tobacco significantly impairs healing and can cause graft failure. Attend all follow-up appointments at our Oakridge clinic so we can monitor healing and remove sutures when appropriate. Complete healing and tissue maturation takes approximately two to three months, after which the grafted area should blend naturally with your surrounding gum tissue.

Preventing Further Gum Recession

After gum grafting, preventing further recession is essential for protecting your investment and maintaining long-term results. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle, circular brushing motions rather than aggressive back-and-forth scrubbing. Consider using an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor that alerts you when you are brushing too hard. If grinding or clenching is a contributing factor, we may recommend a custom nightguard to protect your teeth and gums while you sleep. Maintain excellent oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings to prevent gum disease. If misaligned teeth contributed to your recession, orthodontic treatment may be recommended to move the teeth into a more favourable position within the bone. Quit smoking if applicable—tobacco is one of the most significant risk factors for gum disease and recession.

Gum Grafting Cost in Vancouver

The cost of gum grafting in Vancouver depends on the type of graft performed, the number of teeth involved, and whether donor tissue (alloderm) is used instead of palatal tissue. Single-tooth grafts are the most straightforward, while treating multiple areas of recession in the same appointment increases the overall cost but reduces the number of surgical visits. During your consultation at Oakridge Park Dental, we provide a detailed treatment estimate so you can plan accordingly. As a non-assignment practice, payment is collected at the time of your visit and we provide a detailed receipt that you can submit to your benefits provider for reimbursement. Many dental benefits plans cover gum grafting when it is performed for health-related reasons such as protecting exposed roots or treating gum disease. At Oakridge Park Dental, our team uses microsurgical techniques and advanced suturing methods that promote faster healing and more predictable outcomes for gum graft procedures. We offer both connective tissue grafts, which use donor tissue from the palate, and alternative graft materials that eliminate the need for a palatal donor site, reducing post-operative discomfort. For patients who experience dental anxiety, oral sedation is available to ensure a calm, comfortable experience. Our soft tissue laser can also be used in conjunction with grafting procedures to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

Our Process

Comprehensive Periodontal Assessment

We perform a thorough examination including gum measurements, digital X-rays, and assessment of recession severity to develop a personalised treatment plan.

Treatment Planning & Options

We discuss the type of graft best suited to your situation, explain the procedure in detail, and answer all your questions.

Comfortable Anaesthesia

Local anaesthetic is applied to ensure complete comfort. Oral sedation is available for patients who prefer a more relaxed experience.

Tissue Harvesting & Graft Placement

Donor tissue is obtained (from the palate, adjacent gum, or processed donor material) and carefully positioned over the recession site.

Suturing & Stabilisation

The graft is secured with fine sutures and protected to ensure optimal healing and integration.

Follow-Up & Monitoring

We schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing, remove sutures, and provide ongoing care instructions.

Why Choose Gum Graft?

Covers exposed tooth roots to reduce sensitivity and protect against root decay.

Restores a natural, even gumline for improved smile aesthetics.

Prevents further gum recession and bone loss.

Strengthens and thickens gum tissue for long-term protection.

Multiple graft techniques available to suit different needs and preferences.

Long-lasting results with proper care and maintenance.

Convenient Oakridge location near Cambie and the Canada Line for easy access.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are noticing receding gums, increased tooth sensitivity, or changes in your smile, it is time to seek expert care. Schedule a consultation at Oakridge Park Dental in Vancouver’s Oakridge neighbourhood and let our experienced team restore both the health and beauty of your gums. Early intervention produces the best outcomes, so do not wait for recession to worsen before seeking treatment. We welcome patients from across Oakridge, Cambie, Marpole, Kerrisdale, and South Vancouver for expert gum grafting treatment. Our modern clinic near Oakridge Mall is equipped with advanced microsurgical instruments and a compassionate team dedicated to restoring the health and beauty of your gum tissue. Call us today at 604-266-5313 to schedule your appointment.

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