Gum Grafting in Flat Rock
Receding gums rarely announce themselves. For most of our Flat Rock patients, the first clue is a twinge of sensitivity when drinking something cold, or noticing in the mirror that a tooth looks longer than its neighbors. Gum recession exposes root surfaces that were never meant to be uncovered — surfaces without enamel, more prone to decay, and more vulnerable to wear. Gum grafting restores that lost tissue, covering exposed roots with healthy gum and rebuilding a stable border around the tooth. At our office on Allen Rd. in Woodhaven, we perform gum grafting as part of the oral surgery and periodontal care we provide to families throughout Flat Rock.
Gum grafting is a procedure that adds gum tissue where it has thinned or pulled away from the tooth. Tissue is placed over the exposed root and secured so it can heal and integrate with the surrounding gum. Depending on the situation, the goal may be to cover a root that has become sensitive, to thicken a fragile band of tissue so recession doesn't continue, or to improve the appearance of a smile where one or two teeth look noticeably longer than the rest.
Recession has many causes, and we see all of them. Aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush is a common one. So is gum disease, which breaks down the tissue and bone that hold teeth in place — in those cases, grafting often follows scaling and root planing or other gum disease treatment to get the infection under control first. Clenching and grinding, orthodontic tooth movement, and simply having naturally thin gum tissue can all contribute. Because our practice also provides gum disease treatment, periodontal maintenance, orthodontics, and night guards, we can address the underlying cause rather than treating the recession in isolation.
- Root coverage that reduces sensitivity to cold, heat, and sweets
- Protection from root decay, since exposed root surfaces lack the enamel that shields the crown of the tooth
- A thicker, more durable band of gum tissue that resists further recession
- A more even gumline when one or two teeth appear longer than their neighbors
- Better long-term support for teeth, crowns, bridges, and implants
Good candidates are generally patients with visible recession, root sensitivity that doesn't resolve with desensitizing products, or gum tissue thin enough that it's likely to continue receding. We also consider grafting before or alongside other treatment — for example, when a Flat Rock patient is planning orthodontics with clear aligners or braces, or when we're placing a dental implant and want healthy tissue surrounding it. Bone grafting and gum grafting are sometimes paired when both hard and soft tissue need rebuilding.
Not everyone with recession needs a graft right away. Mild, stable recession may simply be monitored at cleanings while we correct brushing technique or fit a night guard. We'll tell you plainly which category you're in.
What the Visit and Recovery Look Like
Treatment starts with a complimentary consultation. We examine the gumline, measure recession, review X-rays, and check for active gum disease. From there we explain exactly what's recommended, what it involves, and what it will cost before anything is scheduled.
The procedure itself is done with local anesthetic. For patients who feel anxious, we offer nitrous oxide sedation and IV sedation. The graft is placed and secured, and the area is protected while it heals. Our comfort menu — blankets, warm towels, neck pillows, headphones, Netflix, and refreshments — is available during your appointment, because comfort is a priority for us, not an afterthought.
Aftercare matters as much as the surgery. For the first stretch of healing you'll eat soft, cool foods and avoid brushing directly over the graft site, cleaning instead as we instruct. Avoid pulling your lip to inspect the area, skip strenuous activity for a few days, and follow all medication guidance we give you. We schedule follow-up visits to confirm the tissue is integrating well, and afterward we'll usually place you on a periodontal maintenance schedule with our hygienist so the result holds.
Paying for Treatment as a Flat Rock Patient
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and offer a complimentary benefits check so you know your coverage before you commit. For patients without insurance, our in-house membership plan is $199 a year for adults and $99 for ages 17 and under — no deductibles, no annual maximum, no waiting period, and no pre-authorizations. It covers exams, X-rays, two cleanings and two fluoride treatments at 100%, with 20% to 50% off other treatment, including surgical care.
CareCredit financing is available for patients who prefer to spread payments out, and we accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Our five doctors see patients of all ages, we accept oral surgery patients without a referral, and se habla español — so Flat Rock families can keep every stage of care, from a child's first visit to adult gum surgery, under one roof.