Many people focus on their teeth when thinking about their oral health, but the gums are just as important. Healthy gums help support your teeth and protect the roots from damage. When the gums start to pull away from the teeth, a condition called gum recession occurs.
Gum recession can cause tooth sensitivity, make teeth appear longer, and increase the risk of tooth decay and tooth loss. Fortunately, a gum graft can help restore lost gum tissue and protect your teeth.
By the end of this post, you will understand everything you need to know about gum grafts, including what they are, who is a good candidate, the different types of gum grafts, what the procedure is like, recovery time, and what to expect in terms of cost and insurance coverage.
What Is a Gum Graft?¹
A gum graft is a dental procedure used to treat gum recession. During the procedure, a dentist or periodontist (gum specialist) places gum tissue in areas where the gums have receded.
The goal of a gum graft is to cover exposed tooth roots, reduce sensitivity, improve appearance, and protect the tooth from further damage.
Without treatment, gum recession can continue to worsen over time. As more of the tooth root becomes exposed, the risk of decay, sensitivity, and tooth loss increases.
What Causes Gum Recession?²
There are several reasons why gums may recede, including:
- Gum disease (periodontitis)
- Brushing too hard
- Poor oral hygiene
- Tobacco use
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Misaligned teeth
- Genetics
- Trauma to the gums
Sometimes gum recession develops slowly over many years. Many patients do not notice it until they begin experiencing tooth sensitivity or see that their teeth appear longer than before.
What Are the Different Types of Gum Grafts?³
There are three main types of gum grafts.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Gum Graft?⁴
A gum graft may work for you if you have:
- Receding gums
- Exposed tooth roots
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Healthy enough gums to support healing
- Good oral hygiene habits
- A desire to improve the appearance of your smile
Many patients choose a gum graft because they want to prevent future damage. Others choose it because they are bothered by sensitivity or the appearance of their teeth.
Who May Not Qualify for a Gum Graft?⁴
A gum graft may not be recommended if you have:
- Untreated gum disease (Gingivitis, Chronic periodontitis, Aggressive periodontitis, Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG), Necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis (NUP), Periodontal abscess, Peri-implantitis (if the patient has implants)
- Active infection in the mouth
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Certain health conditions that affect healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes, leukemia, HIV/AIDS, or autoimmune diseases.
- Heavy tobacco use
Fortunately, these issues can often be addressed before the gum graft procedure is performed.
What Is the Gum Graft Procedure Like?⁴
Many patients are nervous when they hear the word “surgery.” Fortunately, gum graft is usually performed under local anesthesia, which means the area is numb during treatment.
If you feel anxious about undergoing a gum graft procedure, sedation may be an option for you. Fortunately, our clinic in Modesto offers all three main types of dental sedation:
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas)
- Oral Conscious Sedation
- IV Sedation
These options can help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable during treatment.
Want to learn more about dental sedation?
Click here: Understanding Dental Sedation: Everything You Need to Know – Gleam Dentistry
What Is Recovery Like?
Most patients recover well after a gum graft.
It is normal to experience mild soreness, swelling, and sensitivity during the first few days. Your dentist may prescribe medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relief.
During recovery, patients are usually advised to:
- Eat soft foods
- Avoid brushing directly on the treated area
- Avoid smoking
- Follow all post-operative instructions
Common soft foods include yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and smoothies.
Many patients return to normal daily activities within a day or two, although complete healing may take several weeks.
What Are the Benefits of a Gum Graft?
A gum graft offers several benefits, including:
- Reduced tooth sensitivity
- Protection against root decay
- Improved gum appearance
- Prevention of further gum recession
- Better long-term support for teeth
Many patients notice that their teeth become less sensitive to cold foods and drinks after healing is complete.
Are There Risks?
Like any dental procedure, a gum graft has some risks.
Possible complications include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Swelling
- Graft failure
How Long Does a Gum Graft Last?⁵
A successful gum graft can last many years and often last for decades.
Long-term success depends on factors such as oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
What Is the Cost of a Gum Graft and Will Insurance Help?⁶
The cost of a gum graft depends on several factors, including the number of teeth being treated, the severity of the recession, and the type of graft being performed.
Because every patient is different, a consultation is usually needed to determine the exact cost.
Fortunately, a gum graft is often considered a medically necessary procedure rather than a cosmetic treatment. As a result, some dental insurance plans may help cover a portion of the treatment cost.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. Gum graft surgery: What it is, procedure & recovery. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; [cited 2026 Jun 26]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23504-gum-graft-surgery
- Cleveland Clinic. Gum recession: Causes, prevention, surgery & treatment. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; [cited 2026 Jun 26]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22753-gum-recession
- WebMD. Gum tissue graft surgery: Procedure, recovery, complications, cost. WebMD; [cited 2026 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/gum-tissue-graft-surgery
- Cleveland Clinic. Gum graft surgery: What it is, procedure & recovery. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; [cited 2026 Jun 26]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23504-gum-graft-surgery
- MedicineNet. How long do gum grafts last? Cost, success rate & recovery. MedicineNet; [cited 2026 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.medicinenet.com/how_long_do_gum_grafts_last/article.htm
- Aflac. How much does gum grafting cost?. Columbus (GA): Aflac; [cited 2026 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.aflac.com/resources/dental-insurance/how-much-does-gum-grafting-cost.aspx
Credits:
Authored by: Omar Halimi
Edited by: Stephanie Diego DDS MPH
Published on June 25, 2026