A healthy smile starts with healthy gums. If your gums are receding, feel sensitive, or your teeth look “longer” than they used to, a gum graft (soft-tissue graft) can help restore and protect your smile. At TS Dental in Oak Ridges, our dentists provide gentle, modern gum grafting tailored to your needs—right here in our neighbourhood practice.

What is a gum graft?

A gum graft is a minor surgical procedure that adds healthy tissue where the gums have receded. Recession can expose tooth roots, causing sensitivity, a “long-tooth” look, and a higher risk of cavities and further gum loss. Grafting replaces the missing tissue and creates a more stable, protective gumline.

Common causes of gum recession

• Past or current gum disease

• Brushing too hard or with a stiff brush

• Thin or delicate gum tissue

• Teeth grinding/clenching or a heavy bite

• Orthodontic movement outside the bony housing

• Lip/tongue ties or frenum pull

• Tobacco use or oral piercings

Who is a candidate?

You may benefit from a gum graft if you notice:

• Root sensitivity to cold, touch, or brushing

• Exposed roots or a “long” appearance of one or more teeth

• Difficulty keeping the gumline clean or recurring inflammation

• Plans for orthodontics, implants, or cosmetic work where stable gums are essential

We’ll examine your gums, measure recession, review your bite and brushing style, and take any needed imaging. From there, we’ll recommend the safest, most predictable plan for you.

Types of gum grafts we provide

We select the technique based on your anatomy, goals, and healing considerations:

• Connective-tissue graft (CTG)
   The most common option. A thin layer of tissue is taken from under the surface of your palate and secured around the receded area. Predictable coverage and strong long-term stability.

• Free gingival graft (FGG): A small surface graft from the palate adds thickness and toughness to thin gums, especially around lower front teeth.

• Pedicle/rotational flap: Nearby gum is gently repositioned to cover the recession—no second harvest site.

• Donor/biologic (allograft/xenograft): Processed, medically screened graft material used when we want to avoid or minimise a palate site.

Your dentist will explain the pros and cons of each option, expected coverage, and cosmetic outcomes.

Benefits of gum grafting

• Reduces root sensitivity

• Helps protect roots from decay and abrasion

• Supports a more even, natural gumline

• Improves gum thickness and resilience

• Provides a healthier foundation for orthodontics, veneers, or implants

What to expect

1) Consultation
We review your health history, measure gum levels, and create a personalised plan. You’ll receive a clear estimate and after-care instructions in advance.

2) Treatment day

• Local anaesthetic keeps you comfortable (most patients say it feels similar to getting a filling).

• Tissue is placed and microsutured for stability.

• A protective dressing may be applied.

• You’ll go home the same day with detailed instructions.

3) Recovery

• Mild tenderness or swelling for 2–3 days is common; most people return to work the next day.

• Avoid brushing the graft site for ~2 weeks; use the prescribed rinse and a super-soft brush around non-treated areas.

• Stick to softer foods on the graft side for the first week.

• Stitches usually dissolve or are removed in 10–14 days.

• Final maturation of the tissues continues for 6–8 weeks.

After-care tips

• Use only the mouthrinse and pain relievers we recommend.

• Do not pull your lip/cheek to “check” the area—this can loosen the graft.

• Sleep slightly elevated the first couple of nights.

• Switch to a soft or electric brush and gentle technique going forward.

• Wear a nightguard if you clench or grind.

Risks & considerations

All surgical care carries some risk, though complications are uncommon. Possible issues include temporary bleeding, swelling, graft shrinkage, or incomplete coverage requiring touch-up. We plan carefully to minimise risks and will review everything with you beforehand.

Cost & coverage

Fees vary by tooth/area, technique, and whether donor material is used. Many dental plans offer partial coverage for soft-tissue grafting. As a participating provider in the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), we’re happy to check eligibility and submit any required estimates on your behalf. We’ll provide a transparent quote before treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Is a gum graft painful?
Most patients are comfortable during the procedure with local anaesthetic. Afterwards, tenderness is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief and careful home care.

Will my gums look natural?
That’s the goal. Techniques like CTG often blend very well with surrounding tissue. We’ll discuss realistic expectations for coverage and aesthetics at your consult.

How long does a graft last?
With good home care and a gentle brushing technique, results are typically long-lasting. We’ll show you simple changes that make a big difference.

Do I need to stop coffee or exercise?
You can enjoy coffee once the numbness wears off—avoid very hot beverages for the first day. Light exercise can resume in 24–48 hours; avoid heavy lifting for a few days.

Why choose TS Dental?

• Patient-first care with a gentle touch

• Modern techniques and materials for predictable results

• Clear estimates, flexible scheduling, and help with insurance/CDCP submissions

• Convenient Oak Ridges location with free plaza parking