Services
Gum Grafting
We rebuild receding gumlines with gentle grafting that protects exposed roots, eases sensitivity, and restores a healthier smile.
Why choose us
Benefits of Gum Grafting
Cover Exposed Roots
We rebuild lost gum tissue so sensitive, exposed roots are protected again.
Less Sensitivity
Covering the root surface often eases the sting from cold drinks and brushing.
Protects Your Teeth
Healthy gum coverage helps guard against further recession, decay, and bone loss along the gumline.
More Even Smile
Restored gum contours give your smile a balanced, natural look.
No Referral Needed
You can come straight to us for gum grafting, and we accept PPO insurance, self-pay, and flexible payment plans.
Receding gums rarely announce themselves. Most people notice a tooth that suddenly looks longer than its neighbors, or a sharp zing when cold water hits one spot near the gumline. By the time those signs appear, the band of tissue that once protected the root has thinned or pulled back, leaving the root surface exposed to temperature changes, brushing pressure, and bacteria. Gum grafting rebuilds that protective tissue, and in our Ocala office it is one of the periodontal procedures we provide directly, without sending you across town to another practice.
A gum graft restores lost tissue around a tooth or group of teeth by placing new gum tissue over an exposed root and securing it so it heals as part of your natural gumline. The goal is coverage and protection: shielding the root, reducing sensitivity, and giving the tooth a stable collar of firm tissue that can stand up to daily brushing and chewing.
Recession happens for many reasons, and knowing the cause matters as much as the repair. Aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled brush wears tissue away over years. Periodontal disease destroys gum and bone support from below. Clenching and grinding, crowded or tipped teeth, and even the natural thinness of some people's gum tissue all play a role. We evaluate what drove the recession in your case, because treating the cause, whether that means a scaling and root planing visit, a night guard, or orthodontic alignment with clear aligners, is what keeps a graft from being undone.
Good candidates usually fall into a few groups. Some have one or two teeth with visible recession and persistent cold sensitivity. Others have generalized thinning across several teeth and want to stop the pattern before roots become decayed or notched. Some come to us for cosmetic reasons, bothered by uneven gumlines or teeth that look disproportionately long in photos. All of these are reasonable reasons to be evaluated.
Timing is the main thing to understand. Gum tissue does not grow back on its own, and exposed roots are softer than enamel, so they wear and decay more readily. Active gum disease should be brought under control before grafting, and smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and certain medications can affect healing, so we talk through your medical history honestly before scheduling. You do not need a referral to be seen here, and we treat patients of all ages.
Because we also place dental implants, perform crown lengthening, offer periodontal regeneration, and do cosmetic gum contouring, we can tell you plainly whether grafting is the right tool for your situation or whether another approach fits better. Sometimes a graft is paired with other work; sometimes it stands alone.
Comfort During Treatment and Healing Afterward
Gum grafting is done with local anesthesia, and for patients who feel anxious about dental work we offer nitrous oxide sedation and oral sedation options. Many people are surprised by how manageable the appointment itself feels; the healing period is where your cooperation matters most.
For the first week or two, we ask you to protect the surgical site. That means soft foods, no brushing directly over the graft until we clear you, and following the specific rinse and medication instructions we provide. Expect some swelling and tenderness, and plan a quieter day or two afterward. We see you for follow-up visits to check how the tissue is attaching and to tell you when normal brushing can resume.
Results settle in gradually. Color and contour blend over several weeks as the grafted tissue integrates, and sensitivity typically eases as the root is covered. What a graft gives you long term is a sturdier foundation:
- Protection for exposed root surfaces against decay and wear
- Relief from cold and brushing sensitivity at the gumline
- A more even, balanced gumline appearance
- A stable base of tissue that supports long-term periodontal health
Keeping that result depends on routine care. Our hygienist and dentists will set you up with a cleaning or periodontal maintenance schedule suited to your gums, and we will show you a brushing technique that cleans thoroughly without damaging tissue.
Insurance, Payment, and Scheduling Your Visit
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file periodontal claims as a general practice. We also welcome self-pay and cash patients, and flexible payment plans are available so treatment can be spread out in a way that works for your budget. Our team will review coverage and costs with you before anything is scheduled.
Ocala Dental Care has served Ocala and the surrounding communities, including Belleview, Silver Springs, Summerfield, Dunnellon, The Villages, and Lady Lake, for more than 30 years. Dr. Hussein Salifu and Dr. Marco Geris would be glad to look at your gums and talk through your options. Call us to arrange a consultation.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Gum Health Consultation
We examine your gums, measure the recession, and explain whether grafting is the right fit for you.
- 2
Grafting Appointment
Our dentist places the graft tissue over the receded area, with sedation options available for your comfort.
- 3
Healing And Follow-Up
We share simple home care instructions and check your healing at follow-up visits.