Gum Grafting in Summerfield
Receding gums rarely announce themselves. Most Summerfield patients notice something smaller first — a sharp twinge when drinking cold water, a tooth that suddenly looks longer than its neighbor, or a toothbrush that seems to catch on a notch near the gumline. Those small signs matter, because gum tissue does not grow back on its own. Once it pulls away from a tooth, the root underneath is exposed to temperature, acid, bacteria, and daily brushing pressure. Gum grafting is the procedure we use to rebuild that lost tissue, protect the root, and stop recession from getting worse.
A gum graft restores tissue where the gumline has receded. We take healthy tissue — commonly from the roof of the mouth — or use a comparable grafting material, and secure it over the exposed root surface. As it heals, the graft integrates with your existing gum tissue, thickening the band of gum around the tooth and covering the root again.
Recession happens for several reasons. Aggressive brushing with a stiff toothbrush is one of the most common. Gum disease is another, since infection breaks down the tissue and bone that hold gums in place. Clenching and grinding, crowded or tilted teeth, and naturally thin gum tissue all contribute as well. Because the causes differ, we evaluate what is driving the recession before recommending a graft. If gum disease is active, we treat that first with scaling and root planing or other periodontal care, so the graft heals in a stable environment rather than an inflamed one.
Most people who come to us for grafting are dealing with sensitivity, appearance, or both. Exposed roots are softer than enamel and far more reactive to cold, sweet, and acidic foods. Covering the root usually addresses that sensitivity at the source. On the cosmetic side, recession can make a single tooth look noticeably longer, and grafting evens out the gumline.
There are also structural reasons to graft. Exposed roots are more prone to decay and are harder to clean well. In areas where almost no firm, attached gum tissue remains, routine brushing can keep peeling the gum back further. Adding tissue creates a durable barrier that holds up to daily hygiene. We also perform grafting as part of broader care — before or alongside orthodontic treatment, or in combination with implant work, periodontal regeneration, or crown lengthening, all of which we provide in our office.
- Covers exposed tooth roots and reduces cold and sweet sensitivity
- Helps stop recession from progressing further
- Lowers the risk of root decay in vulnerable areas
- Evens out an uneven or receded gumline
- Builds a thicker, more durable band of gum tissue around the tooth
What the Appointment and Recovery Look Like
Treatment begins with an exam and a conversation about your goals. We measure recession at each affected tooth, check for gum disease, and talk through how many teeth need coverage. For patients who feel anxious, we offer nitrous oxide sedation and oral sedation, which many people find makes the visit far easier.
During the procedure, the area is thoroughly numbed. We prepare the root surface, place the graft tissue, and secure it with fine sutures. Grafting is usually completed in a single appointment, with the length depending on how many sites are treated. Afterward, expect some tenderness and swelling for a few days. We ask patients to stick with soft, cool foods, avoid brushing directly on the graft site while it heals, and skip anything that pulls on the tissue. You will receive specific written instructions, and we schedule a follow-up visit to check healing and remove sutures. Long term, gentle brushing technique and regular periodontal maintenance visits with our hygienist protect the result.
Care Close to Home for Summerfield
Summerfield patients travel to us from a short distance, which makes the follow-up visits that grafting requires genuinely practical rather than a burden. If something feels off during healing, we offer emergency appointments rather than asking you to wait.
We have cared for Marion County families for more than 30 years, and we see all ages. Because we handle periodontics, implants, oral surgery, orthodontics, and prosthodontics in one office — with an on-site dental lab — Summerfield patients who need more than a graft are not sent across town to start over with a new team. No referral is needed to be seen. Dr. Hussein Salifu and Dr. Marco Geris lead our care, and we are members of the FDA and Central Florida District Dental Association.
Insurance, Self-Pay, and Payment Plans
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and will file your claim for you. Our office files periodontal claims as a general practice, and we will help you understand what your plan covers before treatment begins.
If you are paying out of pocket, we welcome self-pay and cash patients and offer flexible payment plans so grafting can be scheduled when it is needed rather than postponed. Call us to arrange a consultation and we will walk you through the costs and options that apply to your situation.