Gum Grafting in Silver Springs
Receding gums don't grow back on their own. Once the gum tissue that covers a tooth root pulls away, the exposed root stays exposed — and it tends to get worse, not better. Gum grafting is the procedure we use to rebuild that lost tissue, cover the root again, and stop the recession from progressing. For patients in Silver Springs, we handle grafting right here at our Ocala office, alongside the rest of your dental care, with no referral needed to get started.
A gum graft replaces missing gum tissue around one tooth or several. We take a small amount of tissue — often from the roof of your mouth or from a donor source — and secure it over the area where the gum has receded. Over the following weeks, that tissue integrates with your existing gums and becomes part of them, thickening the band of protective tissue around the tooth root.
Recession happens for a lot of reasons. Aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush wears tissue down over years. Gum disease destroys the attachment between gum and tooth. Clenching and grinding put stress on specific teeth. Some people simply inherit thin gum tissue that's more prone to pulling back. Crowded or tipped teeth can sit outside the bone in a way that leaves little tissue to begin with. We look at the cause before we treat, because covering a root without addressing what caused the recession tends to lead right back to the same problem.
Grafting is one part of the periodontal care we provide. We also perform scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery, periodontal regeneration, crown lengthening, gum contouring, gingivectomy, and periodontal maintenance, and we place dental implants. If your recession is tied to active gum disease, we'll treat the disease first and graft once the tissue is stable.
The most common reason Silver Springs patients come to us about grafting is sensitivity. Exposed root surfaces have no enamel, so cold drinks, cold air, and even brushing can produce a sharp ache. Covering the root usually settles that down. But sensitivity isn't the only reason to treat recession.
- Root protection — exposed root surfaces decay more easily than enamel and are harder to restore
- Bone support — recession often signals bone loss underneath; grafting helps protect what's left
- Appearance — teeth that look long or uneven at the gumline look more balanced once tissue is restored
- Easier cleaning — thicker, better-positioned tissue is simpler to brush and floss without causing more damage
- Stability over time — stopping recession now is less involved than replacing a tooth later
Good candidates generally have recession on one or more teeth, enough remaining bone to support the graft, and gum disease that's either absent or under control. Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes can affect healing, so we talk through those factors honestly before planning treatment. If you aren't a candidate for grafting, we'll tell you what we can do instead.
What the Procedure and Recovery Look Like
Treatment starts with an exam. We measure the recession, check the bone, review your x-rays, and ask about your brushing habits, grinding, and any history of gum treatment. From there we map out which teeth need grafting and in what sequence. Some patients need a single site; others need several areas addressed across one or two visits.
The procedure itself is done with local anesthesia. We offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation for patients who'd rather be more relaxed. We prepare the recipient site, place the graft tissue, and secure it with fine sutures. Most appointments are shorter than people expect.
Recovery centers on protecting the graft. You'll eat soft, cool foods for the first stretch and avoid brushing the surgical site, using a rinse instead until we clear you. Some swelling and tenderness is normal. We'll see you back to check healing and remove sutures, and we'll give you specific written instructions rather than general advice. Because we also offer emergency appointments, you're not waiting if something feels off during healing.
Scheduling and Paying for Treatment from Silver Springs
Our office has served Ocala and surrounding Marion County communities, Silver Springs included, for over 30 years. Dr. Hussein Salifu and Dr. Marco Geris see patients of all ages, and we're members of the FDA and the Central Florida District Dental Association. Our on-site dental lab means restorative work that follows your periodontal treatment — crowns, dentures, repairs — can often be handled without sending anything out.
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file periodontal claims as a general practice. We also welcome self-pay patients and offer flexible payment plans. Before we begin, we'll review what your plan covers and what your portion looks like, so there are no surprises. Call us to arrange a consultation.