Gum Recession & Soft Tissue Grafting In Charlotte, NC
If your teeth look longer than they used to, or if a glass of cold water triggers sensitivity near the gumline, your gums may be receding. At Promenade Center for Dentistry in Charlotte, NC, our doctors provide soft tissue grafting to help restore lost gum tissue, protect exposed roots, and support long-term tooth stability. If you have been referred for a gum graft or if you are concerned about gum recession, understanding the procedure can help you feel more prepared for your next step.
When Is Gum Recession Severe Enough To Need A Graft?
Soft tissue grafting is sometimes referred to as gum grafting. This procedure replaces missing gum tissue that has exposed the roots of the teeth. Common signs that gum recession may need grafting include root exposure of about three millimeters or more, sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, visible gum tissue loss over several months, or gum recession around a natural tooth or dental implant.
The challenge is that early gum recession is often painless and easy to miss. Many adults do not realize recession has been progressing for years until it is measured during a dental visit. The time between “let’s monitor it” and “a graft is recommended” can be shorter than patients expect. Waiting until sensitivity becomes noticeable may mean more tissue and bone have already been lost.
Why Bruxism, Orthodontic Treatment & Thin Tissue Predispose Certain Patients
There are several causes of gum recession. Long-term aggressive brushing can gradually wear away gum tissue and contribute to recession. Bruxism, which is grinding or clenching the teeth, can also place lateral force on the teeth and slowly pull the gums away over time.
Orthodontic history can also play a role. If teeth were moved outside the most stable area of supporting bone, especially in patients with naturally thin gum tissue, recession may develop within a year or two after braces or aligners are completed.
Some patients simply have naturally thin gum tissue, which can increase the risk of recession in adulthood. It is important to understand that gum recession does not reverse on its own. Better brushing habits, improved home care, or a night guard can help prevent future tissue loss, but they will not replace tissue that has already receded.
If untreated bruxism is contributing to the problem, both the recession and the grinding habit may need to be addressed. Otherwise, the same forces that caused the recession in the first place may affect the new gum tissue after grafting.
The Actual Details Of Connective Tissue Grafting: Step By Step
Several grafting methods exist, including free gingival grafts, pedicle grafts, and connective tissue grafts. For many patients, a connective tissue graft is the most common approach and the one they usually picture when they hear “gum graft.”
The process typically includes:
- Consultation, where we measure the recession and evaluate tissue thickness to determine the best graft type.
- Anesthesia, where the area is numbed so you remain comfortable during treatment.
- Harvesting, where a small piece of tissue is taken, often from the palate.
- Placement, where the tissue is positioned over the exposed root.
- Suturing, where the graft is secured in place.
- Home care, where you leave the same day with recovery instructions.
Treatment usually takes about sixty to ninety minutes per site. One part that many patients do not expect is that the palate, where tissue is often taken, may feel more tender than the graft site itself. Patients sometimes describe it as feeling similar to a burn on the roof of the mouth. The area heals predictably, and the first week is focused on soft foods and protecting the surgical sites.
Because soft tissue grafting is a surgical procedure, it should be completed by a qualified provider with the appropriate training. At our Providence Road office, grafting is performed by a periodontist, so patients do not need to be referred elsewhere for this level of care.
Recovery & What To Expect During The First Two Weeks
Healing happens in clear stages. On the first day, you will need gauze, soft foods and rest. During the first week, you will stay on a soft-food diet, avoid straws, avoid brushing near the surgical site, and follow your rinsing instructions carefully.
By the second week, stitches may dissolve or be removed, and the graft should begin settling into place. Complete integration often takes about four to six weeks, while the final cosmetic result may become clearer around three months.
Mild soreness and swelling are expected during early healing. Over-the-counter medication is often enough for many patients, though prescriptions may be provided when appropriate. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for the first couple of days, and smoking should be avoided completely because it can significantly reduce graft success.
With proper aftercare, connective tissue grafting has a high success rate. Many patients achieve strong root coverage and healthier, more stable gum tissue when they follow post-operative instructions closely.
The Risks & Consequences Of Delaying Soft Tissue Grafting
Gum recession is progressive. Delaying treatment can lead to more root exposure, increased bone loss, and a more complicated graft when treatment finally begins. If the recession progresses too far, it may affect the stability of the tooth.
There can also be long-term consequences for future tooth replacement. Patients who lose a tooth and later want a dental implant may find that they do not have enough healthy soft tissue for an ideal result. In those cases, grafting may become part of the implant planning process.
The encouraging news is that evaluating gum recession is straightforward. A consultation allows our doctors to measure the affected areas, assess tissue thickness, and explain whether soft tissue grafting is the right next step.
Grafting FAQs
Yes. Gum recession often progresses before it causes sensitivity or discomfort. Treating recession earlier can make the procedure more predictable and may help protect the tooth before additional tissue or bone is lost.
Many dental plans cover at least part of a soft tissue graft because it is often considered treatment for a periodontal concern, not a purely cosmetic procedure. Coverage depends on your specific plan. Our team can review your benefits and explain your estimated portion before treatment.
The grafted tissue generally integrates over four to six weeks, and the final result is often visible around three months after surgery. Most patients find that soreness is most noticeable during the first week, especially in the area from which tissue was taken from the palate.
A periodontist specializes in gum tissue, bone support, and periodontal procedures. Gum grafting requires advanced training because the provider must restore tissue in a way that looks natural, functions properly, and supports long-term gum health.
The process begins with a consultation, where we measure your recession and determine which grafting approach is right for you. The procedure is completed with local anesthesia, and you return home the same day with aftercare instructions. We also schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing.
A soft tissue graft can provide long-lasting improvement, but the cause of recession must also be addressed. Patients who grind their teeth, brush too aggressively, or struggle with gum health may develop additional recession over time. Our doctors focus on treating both the recession and the habits or conditions that contributed to it.
Protect Your Gum Health & Tooth Stability
If you have noticed gum recession, exposed roots, or increasing sensitivity, soft tissue grafting may help protect your smile before the condition becomes more advanced. Promenade Center for Dentistry provides soft tissue grafting in Charlotte, NC, with periodontal expertise, careful planning, and a focus on long-term oral health. Call us today to schedule your consultation.