Gum Grafting in The Villages
A tooth that suddenly looks longer than it used to, or a sharp zing when cold water hits the root, is usually the first sign that gum tissue has pulled away from where it belongs. Recession like this doesn't grow back on its own, and the exposed root surface underneath has no enamel to protect it. Gum grafting rebuilds that missing tissue — and for patients from The Villages, it's a procedure we handle right here in our Ocala office, without the need for a referral to an outside specialist.
Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure that replaces gum tissue lost to recession. Tissue is placed over the exposed root and secured so it can heal into position, restoring coverage where the gumline has worn thin or pulled back. Depending on the situation, grafting may be done on a single tooth that has receded noticeably or across several teeth in the same area.
Recession happens for a lot of reasons: years of brushing too hard, grinding, the natural effects of gum disease, or simply thin tissue that was always prone to it. Many of the patients we see from The Villages have taken good care of their teeth for decades and are surprised to learn their gums have quietly receded. The teeth themselves may be perfectly sound — it's the foundation that needs attention. Left alone, continued recession can expose more root surface, increase sensitivity, and make the tooth harder to clean and maintain.
Beyond appearance, the practical goal of a graft is protection. Root surfaces are softer than enamel and more vulnerable to decay and wear. Covering them with healthy tissue gives the tooth a more durable, cleanable surface at the gumline and often takes the edge off temperature sensitivity that makes coffee or ice water uncomfortable.
Here's what grafting commonly addresses:
- Root sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet foods, or brushing
- Exposed root surfaces that are prone to decay and wear
- Teeth that look elongated or uneven because the gumline has shifted
- Recession that keeps progressing year over year
- Gum tissue too thin to hold up to normal brushing and chewing
- A healthier foundation before or alongside other restorative work
Good candidates generally have recession that's measurable and stable enough to treat, along with active gum disease brought under control first. If inflammation or infection is present, we typically start with scaling and root planing or other gum disease treatment, then evaluate grafting once the tissue has calmed down. We're glad to see patients from The Villages for an evaluation even if you're unsure whether grafting is the right step — sometimes the answer is a change in brushing technique and ongoing periodontal maintenance instead.
What the Procedure and Recovery Look Like
We begin with an exam and a conversation about what you've noticed — sensitivity, changes in appearance, areas that feel different when you brush. We measure the recession, check the health of the surrounding bone and tissue, and talk through what grafting would involve for your specific teeth.
The procedure itself is done with local anesthetic, and nitrous oxide sedation or oral sedation is available if you'd feel more comfortable with it. Graft tissue is placed over the prepared root surface and secured so it stays put while it heals. The appointment is focused and done in one visit for the area being treated.
Aftercare matters more than most people expect. For the first stretch of healing, you'll avoid brushing or flossing directly on the graft site and stick to softer foods so nothing disturbs the tissue. We'll give you specific instructions for rinsing and managing discomfort, and we'll see you back to check that the graft is settling in well. Once healing is complete, the site is brushed and flossed like any other area — and regular periodontal maintenance visits help protect the result long-term.
Care and Payment for The Villages Patients
We've practiced in Ocala for over 30 years, and patients from The Villages, Lady Lake, Oxford, Summerfield, and Weirsdale make the trip to us regularly. Having periodontal, surgical, restorative, and prosthetic care under one roof means you're not bouncing between offices — if grafting is part of a larger plan involving implants, crown lengthening, or gum contouring, we coordinate it all here. Our on-site dental lab supports that same-visit efficiency for related restorative work.
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and welcome self-pay patients. Flexible payment plans are available, and we'll go over the estimate and your options before anything is scheduled, so you know what to expect. Dr. Hussein Salifu and Dr. Marco Geris see patients of all ages, and we accept periodontal patients without a referral — call us to arrange an evaluation.