Soft tissue grafting is an extremely versatile procedure used to restore gum tissue lost due to gum recession. The procedure offers not only oral health benefits, but also improves cosmetic appeal so that patients once again have natural, healthy smiles. Recent developments in dental technology have made soft tissue grafting more predictable and less intrusive.

• Free gingival graft – this is when a strip of tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth and stitched to the grafting site in order to promote natural growth. This type of graft is most commonly used for thickening existing tissue.
• Connective tissue graft – this is for larger areas or root exposure, subepithelial tissue is needed to remedy the problem. This subepithelial connective tissue is removed from a small flap in the mouth and sutured to the grafting site. This is the most common treatment for root exposure.
• Pedicle graft – this type of graft involves the sharing of soft tissue between the affected site and adjacent gum. A flap of tissue is partially cut away and moved sideways to cover the root. The results of this type of graft are excellent because the tissue that is moved to the adjacent area includes blood vessels that are left in place.

• Initially, deep cleaning will be performed both above and below the gum line to clear the teeth and roots of calculus (tartar). The grafting procedure itself will generally be performed under local anaesthetic, but this will depend on the size of the areas receiving grafts.
• A small incision will be made at the recipient site in order to create a small pocket. A split thickness incision is made in this pocket and the donor tissue is placed between the two sections of this area.
• The donor tissue strip is generally larger than the incision, so some excess will be apparent.
• Platelet rich growth factors which stimulate natural tissue growth and promote good healing may be applied to the site before suturing. In addition, tissue-stimulating proteins may be added to encourage quicker tissue growth.
• Finally, the wound site will be sutured to prevent shifting, and surgical material will be placed to protect the sensitive area. Gum uniformity and substantial healing will take place in the first six weeks after the procedure.