Soft Tissue
Gum Grafting
in Dallas–Fort Worth
Receding gums expose tooth roots, cause sensitivity, and threaten long-term oral health. DFWOMS’s board-certified oral surgeons provide advanced gingival graft surgery — restoring gum tissue, protecting your teeth, and improving your smile — at our Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis locations.
Restoring gum tissue that has receded or thinned
Soft tissue gum grafting — also called gingival grafting — is a surgical procedure used to reinforce and regenerate gum tissue that has receded or become too thin to adequately protect the teeth. When gum tissue recedes, it exposes the sensitive root surfaces of teeth, leading to increased sensitivity, a higher risk of decay, and, if left untreated, potential tooth loss.
The procedure involves placing graft tissue — taken from the roof of the mouth or from a donor source — over the affected area to cover exposed roots and stimulate new tissue growth. At DFWOMS, our oral surgeons use advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques to ensure optimal healing, stable long-term results, and a natural-looking gum line.
Common causes of gum recession
Gum recession is more common than many patients realize, and it can develop gradually — often without pain — until significant root exposure has already occurred. The most frequent causes include:
Medical and cosmetic benefits of gingival grafting
Gum grafting offers both health and aesthetic benefits. Left untreated, gum recession progresses — threatening your teeth, your bone, and your smile. Treatment stops that progression and restores what has been lost.
Choosing the right graft for your situation
Not all gum grafts are the same. Our surgeons evaluate each case individually and select the most appropriate graft type based on the location and severity of recession, the thickness of existing tissue, and your long-term goals.
A small flap is created at the roof of the mouth (palate) and connective tissue is harvested from beneath the surface layer. This tissue is then placed under the gum at the recession site. The palate heals quickly because the surface layer is replaced. This is the most frequently used technique and typically provides excellent root coverage and a natural aesthetic result.
A thin layer of tissue is taken directly from the surface of the palate and grafted onto the recession site. This technique is particularly effective when the primary goal is to increase the zone of keratinized (tough, attached) gum tissue around a tooth or implant, rather than pure root coverage. It is often used on lower front teeth with thin tissue.
When sufficient gum tissue exists adjacent to the recession site, a flap of tissue is partially cut and rotated or slid to cover the exposed root — without removing tissue from the palate. Because the graft retains its blood supply, healing is often faster. This option is only suitable when adequate donor tissue is available near the affected area.
In some cases, processed donor tissue (acellular dermal matrix) may be used instead of harvesting from the palate — eliminating the second surgical site and reducing post-operative discomfort. This option is particularly useful when multiple teeth require grafting simultaneously, or when palatal tissue is insufficient in quantity or quality.
What to expect, step by step
We evaluate the extent of recession, the thickness of existing gum tissue, the health of the underlying bone, and your aesthetic goals. Our surgeons determine which graft type is most appropriate and create a personalized treatment plan. If you were referred by your dentist or periodontist, we coordinate with them throughout the process.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure complete comfort. Sedation options are available for patients with dental anxiety. All anesthesia at DFWOMS follows our opioid-free protocols for a safer, more comfortable experience.
The chosen graft tissue is carefully harvested from the palate or, when donor tissue is used, prepared for placement. The graft is then precisely positioned over the exposed root surface and secured with fine sutures. Our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques to maximize root coverage and promote natural-looking integration with surrounding tissue.
Most patients experience mild soreness at both the graft site and the palate (if harvested) for 1–2 weeks. A soft diet is recommended during healing, and a protective stent may be provided for the palate. Opioid-free pain management keeps discomfort well controlled. You will receive detailed aftercare instructions before leaving our office.
We schedule a follow-up visit 1–2 weeks after surgery to evaluate healing and suture removal. Full integration of the graft with surrounding tissue takes several weeks to months. Once healed, the result is a thicker, healthier gum line — with covered roots, reduced sensitivity, and improved aesthetics that are designed to last.
Precision, compassion, and natural-looking results
Common questions about soft tissue grafting
Common signs that you may need a gum graft include visible root exposure (your teeth appear longer than they used to), increased sensitivity to temperature or touch, a notch at the gum line of a tooth, or a diagnosis of gum recession from your dentist or periodontist. If you have noticed any of these signs, schedule a consultation — early treatment leads to better outcomes and simpler procedures.
The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia and is not painful. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience is. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild to moderate and is well managed with our opioid-free pain protocol. The palate donor site (when used) is usually the main source of soreness, which resolves within 1–2 weeks. A soft diet and careful oral hygiene during recovery are the main requirements.
Most patients feel significantly better within 1–2 weeks and are able to return to normal diet and activity. The graft tissue continues to integrate and mature over the following 4–6 weeks. Complete healing and the final aesthetic result are typically visible after 2–3 months. Strenuous physical activity and hard or crunchy foods should be avoided during the initial healing phase.
Yes — in many cases, multiple adjacent teeth or even an entire arch can be treated in a single surgical appointment. This is one of the advantages of using donor (allograft) tissue, which eliminates the limitation of palatal tissue availability. Treating multiple recession areas at once reduces the number of appointments and recovery periods. Our surgeons will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most efficient approach.
Yes. Once fully healed, a well-placed gum graft blends naturally with the surrounding tissue in color and texture. The gum line becomes more even and the exposed root is covered, restoring a natural, healthy appearance to the smile. Our surgeons prioritize both function and aesthetics in every graft procedure, tailoring the technique to achieve the most natural-looking result for your specific anatomy.
Many insurance plans cover gum grafting when it is performed for functional or medical reasons — such as root coverage to prevent decay or treat significant sensitivity. Coverage for purely cosmetic cases varies. We accept most major dental insurance providers and Medicaid at all three of our locations, and we offer CareCredit and LendingClub financing. Our team will review your benefits before your procedure — contact us before your consultation.
Protect your gums — restore your smile.
Our oral surgeons in Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis provide expert gum grafting with natural-looking results. Whether you were referred by your dentist or are exploring your options, we are ready to help. Schedule your consultation today.