Gum Grafting in San Diego, CA: Restore Your Healthy, Beautiful Gums

Your gums do more than make your smile beautiful. They support your teeth, protect the underlying bone, and act as a barrier against harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, periodontal disease and other factors can cause gum recession, compromising your overall health. The good news? Gum grafting at Spectrum Dental can help rebuild your gums to their healthy self. Visit our office in San Diego, California, and regain comfort, prevent tooth decay, and reclaim your beautiful smile.

Why do I have gum recession?

Gum recession is one of the most common reasons why many patients seek gum grafting services. Gum recession occurs when your gums pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth, including the root. Gum recession can affect one or more teeth, and symptoms may include sensitivity and teeth that look unusually long.

Periodontal disease is a primary cause of gingival recession. As the condition progresses, pathogenic bacteria trigger chronic inflammation that degrades the periodontal ligaments and surrounding connective tissues, leading to gum recession. Other causes of receding gums include aggressive brushing, smoking, genetics, poor oral hygiene, and excessive teeth grinding.

Professional gum grafting procedure performed by specialists in San Diego, CA.
Happy woman in San Diego, CA, smiling after professional gum grafting.

What is gum grafting?

Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that uses transplanted tissue to cover the exposed roots. Gum grafting can treat one or more teeth, depending on the severity of the condition.

There are several types of gum grafts, including:

  • Connective tissue graft: They are the most common. For this procedure, the doctor makes a flap on the roof of your mouth and removes tissue beneath it. Your periodontist stitches the removed tissue to the exposed root. Over time, the graft integrates with the existing tissue to restore your gumline.
  • Free gingival graft: It’s similar to a connective graft except that the graft tissue is harvested directly from the palate without making a flap. It’s preferred for patients with naturally thin gums.
  • Pedicle graft: The periodontist doesn’t use a graft from another area. Instead, the doctor repositions nearby healthy gum tissue to cover an exposed tooth root. The graft remains partially attached at its original site (the “pedicle”), preserving its blood supply and promoting faster, more predictable healing. We recommend this grafting technique if you have plenty of gum tissue near the affected area.

At our office, your procedure is overseen by a periodontist, uniquely trained to administer gum grafting with precision and care. With this expertise, you not only benefit from functional improvements but also from aesthetically appealing results.

What are the benefits of gum grafting?

Here are the health and cosmetic benefits of gum grafting in San Diego, CA:

  • Prevents tooth decay: Gum grafting protects vulnerable root surfaces, reducing the risk of decay.
  • Reduced tooth sensitivity: Covering exposed roots shields sensitive nerve endings, making hot, cold, and sweet foods much more comfortable to enjoy.
  • Enhanced aesthetics: Gum grafting restores a fuller, more even gumline, improving the balance and beauty of your smile.
  • Enhances periodontal health: Soft tissue grafting strengthens and stabilizes the gum tissue, which prevents further recession and supports long-term gum health.

Who offers gum grafting near me in San Diego, CA?

Gum grafting is an effective procedure for gum recession. At Spectrum Dental, our skilled periodontist uses the appropriate surgical technique to maximize results while minimizing discomfort and healing time. Dial (858) 365-8154 and schedule your consultation today. We serve patients from several locations in the Greater San Diego area, including Miramar, Scripps Ranch, Rancho Peñasquitos, Carmel Valley, Linda Vista, University City, and beyond.

Professional illustration of Gum Grafting performed by experts in San Diego, CA.