Tissue Grafting for Gum Recession: Are You a Candidate?

If your gums have pulled back from your teeth, a tissue graft can stop the damage and restore your gumline. The right candidate, the right graft type, and the right timing all affect how well the procedure works. Here is what you need to know before your consultation.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession happens when the tissue surrounding your teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing the tooth root. Once gum tissue is gone, it does not grow back on its own.

Common causes include:

• Brushing too hard or with a hard-bristle toothbrush
• Gum disease (periodontitis) that destroys tissue and bone
• Thin gum tissue present from birth
• Teeth that are positioned too far forward in the jaw
• Grinding or clenching your teeth over time
• Tobacco use

Exposed roots are more vulnerable to decay, more sensitive to temperature, and more likely to develop serious infection. Treating recession early protects both the tooth and the bone beneath it.

Signs You May Need a Tissue Graft

You may be a candidate if you notice:

• Teeth that look longer than they used to
• Sensitivity to cold drinks, cold air, or sweet foods
• A notch you can feel at the gumline with your tongue
• Roots that are visibly exposed on one or more teeth
• Gum disease that has been treated but left recession behind

Dr. Livingston will measure the depth of recession, evaluate bone levels, and assess the thickness of your remaining gum tissue before recommending a graft. Not every case of recession requires surgery. Mild recession with no symptoms may only need monitoring and better brushing technique.

The Three Types of Tissue Grafts

There is no single graft that works best for everyone. The right choice depends on how much tissue you need, where the recession is, and the current condition of your gums.

Connective Tissue Graft

This is the most common type. Dr. Livingston makes a small flap in the roof of your mouth, removes a layer of tissue from underneath, and closes the flap. The harvested tissue is then secured over the exposed root at the graft site.

Best for: Patients with one or more exposed roots who have enough tissue on the palate to donate. Leaves a smaller wound at the harvest site than a free gingival graft.

Free Gingival Graft

A thin strip of tissue is removed directly from the surface of the palate and placed at the graft site. No flap is made.

Best for: Patients with naturally thin gums who need to add thickness and volume to the gumline, even if root exposure is minimal. Often used to prevent recession before it starts in patients with thin tissue.

Pedicle Graft

Tissue is borrowed from the gum next to the tooth that needs treatment. The graft stays partially attached at one side, keeping its original blood supply.

Best for: Patients who have plenty of gum tissue next to the affected tooth. Not suitable if recession is widespread or if neighboring tissue is also compromised.

What Makes a Strong Candidate?

The best candidates for tissue grafting are patients who:

• Have active gum disease treated and under control before the procedure
• Do not smoke, or are willing to stop during healing
• Are committed to proper brushing technique after recovery
• Have recession that is progressing and affecting tooth health or comfort

If you have untreated active periodontitis, Dr. Livingston will address that first. Grafting over infected tissue will not hold.

How Much Does a Tissue Graft Cost?

Cost varies depending on how many teeth are involved and which graft type is used. Most dental insurance plans cover tissue grafts when the procedure is medically necessary, meaning the recession is causing tooth damage or significant sensitivity.

At your consultation, our team will review your coverage and give you an out-of-pocket estimate before any treatment is scheduled.

Next Steps

If you have noticed your gums pulling back or your teeth becoming more sensitive, the earlier you address it the simpler the treatment. Early-stage recession usually requires a smaller, faster graft with a shorter recovery.

Call us at (970) 221-2444 or request a consultation online. Dr. Livingston will measure your recession, identify the cause, and recommend the graft type that fits your specific situation.