What is Gum Recession?
Gum recession happens when gum tissue gradually pulls away from the teeth, exposing the roots.
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Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or touch
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Higher risk of cavities on exposed roots
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Loose or shifting teeth over time
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A “long tooth” appearance that affects your smile
What is a Gum Graft?
A gum graft (soft tissue graft) replaces or thickens the missing gum tissue around teeth or implants.
Dr. Ben Choi uses advanced microsurgical techniques for precision and comfort.
Benefits of Gum Grafting:
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Protects exposed roots from sensitivity and decay
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Prevents further gum recession and tooth loss
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Improves smile aesthetics with a more even gumline
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Strengthens tissues around dental implants or natural teeth
Our Gum Grafting Techniques
Depending on your condition, Dr. Choi may recommend:
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Connective Tissue Graft (CTG) – The most common graft for root coverage and thickening gum tissue.
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Free Gingival Graft (FGG) – Adds keratinized tissue to increase strength around teeth or implants.
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Tunneling / VISTA / CAF / Minimally Invasive Graft – A technique with no visible incisions, offering faster healing and excellent esthetics.
Gum Health &
Periodontal Disease
Gum recession is often linked to periodontal disease—a chronic infection that damages the supporting tissues of teeth. If gum disease is not managed, grafting alone may not succeed.
👉 Learn more about our Periodontal Disease Treatment options.
Gum Graft Procedure & Recovery
Who needs a gum graft?
A gum graft may be recommended when the gums have receded far enough to expose part of the tooth root. Common signs include teeth that look longer than they used to, sensitivity to cold drinks or brushing, visible root exposure along the gumline, and thin gum tissue that keeps pulling back. At your consultation, Dr. Ben Choi, DMD, MSD, a periodontist, examines your gums, measures the recession, and explains whether grafting is a good fit or whether another approach makes more sense.
Your grafting options
Soft tissue grafting covers several techniques. A connective tissue graft places a small piece of tissue, usually taken from the roof of the mouth, under the gum to cover exposed roots and thicken thin tissue. A free gingival graft adds firmer tissue where the gum is weak. For some patients, a minimally invasive tunneling approach is an option. Dr. Choi recommends a technique based on your anatomy, the number of teeth involved, and your goals.
What the visit is like
Gum grafting is done in our Marysville office. The area is numbed with local anesthesia. Oral sedation is available for patients who want to feel more relaxed, and IV sedation can be arranged when it is truly needed. Appointment length depends on how many teeth are treated, and you go home the same day with written care instructions.
Recovery: the first days and weeks
Most patients feel mild to moderate soreness for a few days, and some swelling is common. Plan on soft, cool foods, and avoid brushing or flossing the treated area until we tell you it is time. If tissue was taken from the palate, that spot may stay tender for about one to two weeks. The new gum tissue keeps maturing over the following weeks. Our Post-Op Care page has detailed instructions.
Follow-up visits
We usually see you about two to three weeks after surgery to check healing and remove stitches, then again over the next few months to follow how the tissue matures.
Patients come to us from Everett, Arlington, Lake Stevens, Snohomish and further.
Gum Graft FAQ
Does a gum graft hurt?
The area is numbed with local anesthesia during the procedure, oral sedation is available if you want to feel more relaxed, and IV sedation can be arranged when it is truly needed. Afterward, most patients feel mild to moderate soreness for a few days, which is usually managed with the medication and instructions we provide.
How long does gum graft recovery take?
Most soreness eases within the first week, though the palate donor site may stay tender for about one to two weeks. Stitches are usually removed about two to three weeks after surgery, and the gum tissue continues to mature over several weeks.
Am I a candidate for a gum graft?
Many people with receding gums, root sensitivity, or thin gum tissue are candidates. Active gum disease needs to be treated first. A consultation with Dr. Choi will tell you which option fits your situation.
Can my gums recede again after a graft?
A graft can help protect the area, but gums can still recede if causes like gum disease, hard brushing, or clenching continue. Gentle brushing and regular periodontal maintenance help protect the result.
Questions about receding gums? Call (360) 386-5055 to schedule a gum graft consultation with Dr. Choi.