Gum Grafting in Riverview
If you've noticed a tooth looking longer than it used to, or you feel a zing of sensitivity when you sip something cold, receding gums may be the reason. It's one of the most common concerns we hear from our Riverview patients, and it rarely resolves on its own. Gum grafting is the treatment we use to rebuild lost gum tissue, cover exposed roots, and protect teeth from further damage — and for Riverview families, it's available right here at our Woodhaven office on Allen Rd., close enough for a quick appointment without rearranging your whole day.
Gum recession happens when the tissue around a tooth pulls back and exposes the root surface underneath. Roots aren't covered by enamel, so once they're uncovered they're far more vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and continued tissue loss. A gum graft adds healthy tissue to that thinned or receded area, restoring coverage and giving the tooth a stable band of gum to live in again.
There are several reasons recession shows up. Aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush is a frequent cause. So is gum disease, which breaks down the tissue and bone that hold teeth in place. Clenching and grinding, tooth position, and simple genetics all play a role too. Because the cause matters, we start by looking at the whole picture — which is why gum grafting is often paired with other care we provide, such as scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, or a custom night guard made in our on-site lab.
Not every receding gum line needs surgery. Mild recession that isn't progressing may simply need better brushing technique and consistent cleanings with our hygienist. We'll tell you honestly when that's the case. Grafting becomes the right conversation when recession is advanced, worsening, or already causing problems.
You may be a candidate for gum grafting if you recognize yourself in any of the following:
- Sharp sensitivity to cold, heat, or sweets on one or more teeth
- Teeth that look noticeably longer, with a visible notch or darker root surface
- Gum tissue that keeps receding year over year despite good home care
- Root decay or wear at the gum line
- A tooth that feels loose or has very little attached gum remaining around it
- Cosmetic concerns about an uneven gum line
Because we're a multi-doctor general practice with oral surgery capability in house, we can evaluate, plan, and treat without sending you somewhere else. We also accept patients without a referral, and your consultation with us is complimentary.
What the Gum Grafting Process Looks Like
We begin with an exam and X-rays to measure how much tissue and bone remain and to rule out active infection. If gum disease is present, we treat that first — placing a graft over inflamed tissue isn't a durable solution. Once things are healthy and stable, we map out the graft: which teeth need coverage, where the donor tissue will come from, and how the result will look.
On treatment day, the area is thoroughly numbed. Donor tissue is typically taken from the roof of the mouth or from tissue near the site, then secured over the exposed root and sutured in place. The appointment is usually shorter than patients expect. If dental anxiety is part of your hesitation, we offer nitrous oxide sedation and IV sedation, and our comfort menu — blankets, warm towels, neck pillows, headphones, Netflix — is there for the asking. Comfort isn't an afterthought in our office; it's one of the reasons patients from Riverview keep coming back.
Healing and Aftercare
Expect some soreness and swelling for the first several days, managed with the instructions and recommendations we send home with you. You'll eat soft, cool foods for a stretch, avoid brushing or flossing the graft site directly until we clear you, and skip anything that disturbs the sutures. Most of the discomfort fades well before the tissue is fully mature.
We'll see you for a follow-up to check healing and remove sutures if needed. After that, protecting your result comes down to gentle brushing, regular cleanings, and addressing whatever caused the recession in the first place. Because we handle periodontal maintenance, restorative work, and night guards in the same office, your follow-up care stays simple.
Paying for Treatment
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and offer a complimentary benefits check so you know your coverage before you commit. We also welcome self-pay patients and accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
For Riverview patients without insurance, our in-house membership plan is $199 a year for adults and $99 for anyone 17 and under — no deductibles, no annual maximum, no waiting period, and 20% to 50% off treatment like grafting. CareCredit financing is also available. Se habla español, and we'd be glad to talk through your options.