Services

Gum Graft

Treat gum recession early. We offer connective tissue and donor grafts in Vancouver to protect roots and improve your smile’s foundation.

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Receding Gums? Restore Your Smile with Gum Graft Surgery in Vancouver

Gum recession can expose tooth roots, trigger sensitivity, and increase the risk of decay and tooth loss. Left untreated, it affects not only your smile’s appearance but also your long-term oral health.

At Yaletown Dental Boutique, we perform expert gum graft procedures to rebuild gum tissue, protect exposed roots, and restore balance to your smile.

Using advanced techniques and a gentle approach, our team provides personalized care for patients throughout Yaletown and Downtown Vancouver.

If your gums are starting to pull away from your teeth, early intervention can prevent complications and support lasting oral health.

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What Is a Gum Graft?

A gum graft is a type of periodontal surgery used to treat gingival recession. It involves placing healthy tissue—either from your own mouth or a donor source—over areas where gums have pulled away from the teeth.

At our Vancouver dental clinic, we tailor the technique to your needs. Your periodontist may use:

Autograft: tissue from your palate
Pedicle graft: tissue repositioned from adjacent gums
Allograft: safe, sterilized donor material

This soft tissue grafting helps restore gum coverage, reduce sensitivity, and protect tooth roots from further damage.

Why Is Gum Grafting Necessary?

Gum grafting isn’t just a cosmetic fix—it’s a medically important procedure that protects your teeth and improves long-term oral health.

As the gums recede, the roots of your teeth can become exposed. This leads to increased sensitivity, higher risk of cavities, and eventual bone or tooth loss. Gum grafting restores coverage, reduces discomfort, and creates a healthier barrier between your teeth and the outside environment.

For many patients in Yaletown and Downtown Vancouver, gum grafting is also part of a broader treatment plan. It’s often recommended before placing crowns, veneers, or dental implants to ensure there’s enough healthy tissue for long-term support.

By reinforcing thin or damaged gums, grafting helps:
Reduce tooth sensitivity
Prevent future gum and bone loss
Protect exposed roots from decay
Improve the appearance of your smile

At Yaletown Dental Boutique, we assess your gum health and tailor the grafting technique to meet both medical needs and aesthetic goals.

Types of Gum Grafts We Offer in Vancouver

At Yaletown Dental Boutique, we offer a range of gum grafting techniques to match your specific condition, gum anatomy, and comfort preferences. Each approach is chosen to maximize healing, coverage, and aesthetics.

Connective Tissue Graft

This is the most common method for covering exposed roots. A small flap is opened on the roof of your mouth, and tissue is taken from beneath the surface (the connective layer). That graft is then placed over the recessed area and sutured into position. It’s ideal for both functional coverage and cosmetic improvement.

Free Gingival Graft

This technique is used when the goal is to thicken very thin gums rather than cover roots. A small strip of tissue is taken directly from the outer surface of the palate and attached where the gums need reinforcement. It’s especially helpful in areas at risk of future recession.

Pedicle Graft

Instead of using tissue from another area, this approach moves nearby gum tissue over the exposed root. The tissue remains partially attached to its original location, preserving blood supply and encouraging quicker healing. It’s only suitable when the adjacent tissue is healthy and plentiful.

Donor Tissue and Synthetic Grafts

In certain cases—such as when multiple teeth require grafting—we use allografts (donor tissue) or biocompatible synthetic materials. These options eliminate the need for tissue collection from your palate, making the process more comfortable and reducing healing time.

Who Needs Full Mouth Reconstruction?

The severity and location of recession

Your gum thickness and tissue availability

Aesthetic priorities

Personal comfort and treatment preferences

Confident Smiles Start Here — Book Your Visit Today

Achieve the smile you deserve with personalized, gentle dental care tailored to your needs and comfort.

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What to Expect During Gum Graft Surgery

At Yaletown Dental Boutique, gum graft surgery is carefully planned to prioritize comfort, efficiency, and a smooth recovery. Here’s how the procedure typically unfolds:

Before the Procedure

During the Procedure

After the Procedure

Before the Procedure

We begin with a detailed consultation that includes:

A full periodontal exam
Digital imaging and measurements
A review of your medical history and personal goals

You’ll also receive guidance on how to prepare, including medication instructions, oral hygiene adjustments, and dietary suggestions for the recovery period.

Gum Graft Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

Recovering from gum graft surgery is typically smooth, especially when proper aftercare is followed. While every patient heals at a slightly different pace, most follow a general pattern over the first few weeks.

Day 1: Rest and Protect the Graft

The first 24 hours are critical for clot formation and early healing. Expect minor bleeding, mild swelling, and tenderness around the surgical site.

Use all prescribed medications exactly as directed. Stick to cool, soft foods such as smoothies, yogurt, applesauce, or mashed potatoes. Avoid brushing or flossing the grafted area.

To keep the site clean, we recommend using a prescribed antibacterial mouth rinse rather than disturbing it with a toothbrush.

Days 2–7: Managing Discomfort and Diet

Most bleeding subsides within the first two days. Swelling may peak around day three or four before gradually decreasing.

Bruising is possible, especially with palatal grafts, but often resolves by the end of the first week. Any soreness is typically well-managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief.

You can slowly reintroduce soft foods like scrambled eggs, pasta, and steamed vegetables. Avoid anything crunchy, spicy, or hot in temperature. Gentle brushing may be resumed on non-treated areas.

Week 2: Reduced Sensitivity, Stronger Gums

By the second week, most patients report improved comfort and healing progress. Swelling continues to decrease, and you may begin tapering off pain medication with your provider’s guidance.

Some mild tightness or itchiness near the graft site is normal—it’s a sign of tissue remodeling.

Diet can expand cautiously, but anything that could disrupt the graft (e.g., chips, crusty bread) should still be avoided. At your follow-up, we’ll check that the graft is integrating properly and update your care plan.

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Post-Operative Instructions: Supporting a Smooth Gum Graft Recovery

The success of your gum graft surgery depends just as much on how you care for the area afterward as it does on the procedure itself. Following the right post-operative instructions helps prevent complications and promotes predictable healing.

Here’s how to protect your graft site in the days and weeks following surgery:

1. Avoid Suction or Pressure on the Area

Do not use straws, rinse forcefully, or spit excessively. Suction can dislodge the blood clot or graft.
Be gentle when speaking, chewing, and swallowing—especially during the first 3–5 days.

2. Rest and Elevate

Avoid physical exertion, including workouts, bending, or lifting, for at least a week.
Sleep with your head elevated using two pillows or a wedge pillow to minimize swelling.

3. Follow Your Medication Schedule

Take all prescribed antibiotics and pain relievers exactly as directed—even if you feel fine. Preventing infection is critical.
Use any recommended antimicrobial rinses, such as chlorhexidine, to keep the area clean without brushing.

4. Protect the Surgical Site

Do not brush or floss the grafted area until you’re given clearance—usually after your first follow-up.
Stick to soft, non-abrasive foods. No crunchy, spicy, acidic, or hot-temperature items for at least a week.
Avoid touching the area with your fingers, tongue, or toothbrush.

5. Monitor for Unusual Symptoms

Some discomfort and minor swelling are normal, but contact your periodontist if you notice:

Persistent or excessive bleeding
Fever or signs of infection (pus, foul odour)
Graft loosening or detachment
Severe or increasing pain after the first few days

By following these aftercare steps and attending your scheduled check-ups, you give your graft the best chance to integrate successfully and deliver long-term results.

Potential Risks and Complications of Gum Graft Surgery

Gum grafting is a safe and predictable procedure when performed by an experienced provider, but like any surgery, it carries some potential risks. Knowing what to watch for can help you respond quickly if a complication arises.

Graft Failure or Rejection

Infection

Prolonged Bleeding

Palate Discomfort (for Autografts)

Graft Failure or Rejection

In rare cases, the grafted tissue may not integrate fully with the surrounding gum. This can result in partial or total loss of the graft. Warning signs may include:

A loose or shifting graft
White or grey appearance of the tissue (suggesting poor blood supply)
Persistent discomfort or exposed root surfaces

If detected early, a revision graft or alternative treatment plan can be implemented to correct the issue.

Restore Your Smile. Protect Your Health.

Gum grafting does more than improve your smile—it safeguards your teeth, relieves sensitivity, and builds the foundation for long-term oral health.

If you’ve noticed root exposure, gumline discomfort, or uneven gum tissue, don’t wait. Early treatment can stop progression and prevent the need for more complex procedures later. For those considering implants, crowns, or veneers, addressing gum recession first ensures better outcomes and lasting results.

At Yaletown Dental Boutique, we specialize in soft tissue grafting that is precise, minimally invasive, and customized to your anatomy. We serve patients throughout Yaletown, Downtown Vancouver, False Creek, and surrounding neighbourhoods with a compassionate approach and advanced periodontal expertise.

From digital diagnostics to detailed aftercare, every step is designed for comfort, clarity, and confidence.

Book your gum graft consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, stronger smile.

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FAQ About Dental services

What is a gum graft, and why is it done?

A gum graft restores tissue lost due to gum recession. It helps cover exposed tooth roots, reduce sensitivity, and prevent further gum and bone loss. It also improves the appearance of the smile and strengthens support for future restorations.

How painful is a gum graft procedure?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during surgery. Afterward, most patients experience mild discomfort or soreness, which is manageable with rest, medication, and following post-op instructions.

What can I eat after gum graft surgery?

Stick to cool, soft foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs, smoothies, or pasta for the first few days. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or hot foods that could irritate the graft site until your dentist gives clearance.

What’s the difference between an autograft and an allograft?

An autograft uses your own tissue, usually from the roof of the mouth. An allograft uses donor or synthetic material. Both methods are safe and effective—your dentist will recommend the best option based on your needs.

Can gum grafts fail or be rejected?

It’s rare, but grafts can fail if there’s trauma to the site, poor healing, or infection. Signs include persistent bleeding, swelling, or pus. Contact your provider immediately if anything seems unusual.

Important Information for CDCP Patients

Treatment under the Canadian Dental Care Plan is not fully covered. A co-payment will apply.

Gum Graft

Receding Gums? Restore Your Smile with Gum Graft Surgery in Vancouver

What Is a Gum Graft?

Why Is Gum Grafting Necessary?

Types of Gum Grafts We Offer in Vancouver

Who Needs Full Mouth Reconstruction?

Confident Smiles Start Here — Book Your Visit Today

What to Expect During Gum Graft Surgery

Before the Procedure

During the Procedure

After the Procedure

Gum Graft Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

Day 1: Rest and Protect the Graft

Days 2–7: Managing Discomfort and Diet

Week 2: Reduced Sensitivity, Stronger Gums

Post-Operative Instructions: Supporting a Smooth Gum Graft Recovery

Potential Risks and Complications of Gum Graft Surgery

Graft Failure or Rejection

Infection

Prolonged Bleeding

Palate Discomfort (for Autografts)

Restore Your Smile. Protect Your Health.

FAQ About Dental services

What is a gum graft, and why is it done?

How painful is a gum graft procedure?

What can I eat after gum graft surgery?

What’s the difference between an autograft and an allograft?

Can gum grafts fail or be rejected?

Important Information for CDCP Patients

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