If gum recession has exposed your tooth roots, soft tissue grafts can help protect your teeth by replacing lost gum tissue, reducing sensitivity, and lowering the risk of further recession and damage. This procedure strengthens the gum line and creates a healthier foundation for long-term oral health.
Gum recession often develops gradually, making it easy to overlook until symptoms such as tooth sensitivity, longer-looking teeth, or discomfort become noticeable. While brushing habits and gum disease are common contributors, untreated recession can eventually affect the support around your teeth. Understanding how soft tissue grafting works can help you make informed decisions before the condition progresses.
Why Does Gum Recession Put Teeth at Risk?
Healthy gum tissue acts as a protective barrier around each tooth. When the gums recede, more of the tooth root becomes exposed. Unlike tooth enamel, root surfaces are softer and more vulnerable to wear, decay, and sensitivity.
Without enough gum coverage, you may experience:
- Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- A higher risk of root decay
- Greater plaque accumulation near the gum line
- Continued gum recession over time
- Reduced support for surrounding tissues
Treating gum recession early can help preserve both the appearance and function of your smile.
Restoring Gum Tissue: How Soft Tissue Grafts Help
A soft tissue graft replaces lost gum tissue in areas where recession has occurred. The goal is not only to improve appearance but also to protect exposed tooth roots and strengthen the gum line.
Depending on your needs, the graft may use tissue from your palate or a carefully selected donor tissue. Once placed, the graft integrates with your existing gums as it heals.
The benefits include:
- Covering exposed tooth roots
- Reducing tooth sensitivity
- Slowing or stopping further gum recession
- Making oral hygiene easier
- Improving the overall balance of the gum line
For many patients considering restoring gum tissue, grafting offers a predictable way to preserve natural teeth and support long-term periodontal health.
When Is a Dental Tissue Graft Patients Need the Right Solution?
Signs You May Benefit from Treatment
A dental tissue graft may be recommended if you have:
- Noticeable gum recession
- Persistent tooth sensitivity
- Exposed tooth roots
- Areas where brushing has become uncomfortable
- Progressive gum loss despite good oral hygiene
A comprehensive periodontal evaluation allows us to determine the underlying cause of recession before recommending treatment.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The procedure is performed using local anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
After preparing the treatment area, the graft is carefully secured over the exposed root surface. Protective dressings may be placed while the tissue begins healing.
Most patients return to normal daily activities within a day or two while following temporary dietary and oral hygiene instructions.
Understanding Soft Tissue Graft Cost in Lehi
The soft tissue graft cost in Lehi patients pay depends on several factors, including:
- The number of teeth being treated
- The severity of gum recession
- The type of graft being performed
- Whether additional periodontal procedures are needed
- Insurance coverage and available benefits
Because every case is unique, we provide a personalized treatment plan and discuss expected costs before beginning treatment.
DR. Rachna’s and DR. Dan’s Clinical Perspective
One of the questions we hear most often is whether gum recession can simply be monitored. Our answer depends on why the recession occurred and whether it is continuing to progress.
In our experience, treating recession before significant root damage develops often leads to better long-term outcomes. Soft tissue grafting is not only about improving appearance, it helps create healthier conditions around the teeth, making them easier to maintain and reducing the likelihood of future complications.
Every patient has different periodontal needs, so we always begin by identifying the underlying cause before recommending treatment. That allows us to choose the most appropriate approach for preserving your natural teeth whenever possible.
Protecting Your Smile for the Future
Gum recession does not always require immediate treatment, but it should never be ignored. As more root surface becomes exposed, the risk of sensitivity, decay, and continued tissue loss increases.
A periodontal evaluation can determine whether soft tissue grafting is the right option for your situation and help prevent further damage before it becomes more difficult to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every patient’s situation is different, and these are some of the questions we commonly hear about gum grafting and periodontal treatment.
Q. Is a soft tissue graft painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during treatment. Mild soreness afterward is common and is usually manageable with prescribed or recommended medications.
Q. How long does a soft tissue graft take to heal?
Initial healing generally occurs within one to two weeks, while the graft continues to mature over the following weeks. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to support healing.
Q. Can a soft tissue graft stop gum recession completely?
A successful graft can protect the treated area from further recession, but maintaining healthy brushing habits and regular periodontal care remains important to support long-term results.
Q. How do I know if I need a dental tissue graft?
If you have exposed tooth roots, increasing sensitivity, or visible gum recession, a periodontal evaluation can determine whether a dental tissue graft is appropriate for your condition.
Q. Is restoring gum tissue worth it?
For patients with progressive recession or exposed roots, restoring gum tissue can improve comfort, protect vulnerable tooth surfaces, and help preserve natural teeth for years to come.
Why Patients Choose MVPerio for Periodontal Care?
At MVPerio, we focus on preserving your natural teeth through evidence-based periodontal care and individualized treatment planning. Whether you’re experiencing early gum recession or considering soft tissue grafting, Dr. Rachna Hegde and Dr. Dan Thunell take time to understand the cause of your gum concerns before recommending treatment.
Our goal is to help you make informed decisions with clear explanations, modern techniques, and care tailored to your long-term oral health. Every treatment plan is designed around your clinical needs, comfort, and the best possible outcome for maintaining healthy gums and teeth.
Speak with Dr. Rachna Hegde and Dr. Dan Thunell
If you’re concerned about gum recession or would like to understand whether soft tissue grafts are the right solution for your smile, we’re here to help you make an informed decision. We’ll evaluate your periodontal health, explain your options clearly, and recommend treatment only when it supports your long-term oral health.
Phone: +1 801-766-6966
Email: lehi@mvperio.com
Address: 3397 N 1200 E STE 111, Lehi, UT 84043, USA
We invite you to discuss your concerns and explore treatment options with MVPerio, where every recommendation is tailored to your long-term oral health. Our team is here to help you make confident, informed decisions about protecting your smile.