A soft tissue graft is one of the most effective ways to address gum recession, and patients who understand what the procedure involves tend to feel far more at ease going into it. During the procedure, tissue is placed over areas where the gumline has pulled back from the teeth, covering exposed roots and restoring the protective barrier the gums are meant to provide. Knowing what happens at each stage, from the day of the procedure through recovery, takes much of the uncertainty out of the process.
At Advanced Periodontics of New Jersey, Drs. Matei and Peto perform soft tissue gingival grafts for patients throughout Bergen County and the surrounding area. The procedure is well-established, performed under local anesthesia, and guided by a team with deep clinical knowledge in periodontal care and tissue regeneration.
What Happens During the Procedure
A soft tissue graft begins with local anesthesia to ensure the area is fully numb before any work begins. Once you are comfortable, your periodontist harvests graft tissue, typically from the roof of the mouth, and carefully positions it over the area of recession. The tissue is then sutured into place to encourage proper attachment and healing.
The procedure itself generally takes less than two hours, depending on how many teeth are being treated. Soft tissue grafting addresses both functional and cosmetic concerns, and regardless of the goal, the care our team provides through cosmetic grafting or functional restoration is precise, comfortable, and designed to produce lasting results.
Why a Soft Tissue Graft May Be Recommended
Gum recession exposes the roots of the teeth, which are not protected by enamel, the way the crown of a tooth is. This leaves them vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and further tissue loss if left unaddressed. A soft tissue graft covers the exposed root, reduces sensitivity, and helps stabilize the gumline against continued recession.
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, gum graft surgery can be performed on one or multiple teeth and may help reduce tooth sensitivity and improve the appearance of the smile. In some cases, the procedure is purely functional, while in others it serves both protective and cosmetic purposes. Our team offers both functional and recession treatment options, depending on each patient’s needs.
What Recovery Looks Like
Recovery from a soft tissue graft is straightforward for most patients, though it does require some adjustments in the days and weeks that follow. The key areas to pay attention to are the donor site at the palate and the grafted area, both of which need time and care to heal properly.
Recovery Guidelines to Follow
Most patients return to normal daily activity within a day or two, though physical exertion should be limited for at least a week. The following guidelines apply to the initial recovery period and help support the best possible outcome:
- Diet: Stick to soft foods for the first one to two weeks. Avoid anything hot, crunchy, or hard near the surgical site.
- Oral hygiene: Brush and floss normally, avoiding the treated area. Your periodontist will provide specific instructions for keeping the graft site clean without disturbing it.
- Activity: Avoid strenuous exercise for at least one week to minimize bleeding and swelling.
- Swelling and discomfort: Some tenderness and mild swelling are normal and typically resolve within the first week. Over-the-counter pain medication is usually sufficient.
Following these guidelines closely gives the graft the best chance of integrating successfully with the surrounding tissue. Our team provides thorough post-treatment care guidance to walk you through every step of the healing process.
Stop Gum Recession at Advanced Periodontics of New Jersey
If your gumline has been receding, a soft tissue graft may be the most effective way to stop further damage and restore the protection your teeth need. Drs. Matei and Peto bring deep clinical knowledge in periodontal tissue regeneration to every case, and Dr. Matei’s research background in biomaterials and periodontal regeneration, recognized through peer-reviewed publications and a 2022 AAP Educator Award, means the care you receive is grounded in current science. Our River Edge practice evaluates each patient’s recession carefully to determine the right grafting approach before any treatment begins.
Recovery from a soft tissue graft is manageable, and our team makes sure you are never left guessing about what to expect. From your pre-procedure consultation through your final follow-up, our team is here to answer your questions and support your healing at every stage. To take the first step, reach out using our contact form.
