Gum Grafting in Ocala
Receding gums rarely announce themselves all at once. Most of our Ocala patients notice something smaller first — a tooth that looks longer than it used to, a zing of sensitivity when cold water hits a certain spot, or a toothbrush that keeps finding a notch near the gumline. Gum grafting is the periodontal procedure we use to rebuild that lost tissue, cover exposed root surfaces, and protect the foundation your teeth depend on. We have practiced general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry here in Ocala for over 30 years, and gum grafting is one of the periodontal services we provide right in our own office.
Gum tissue is thin, and once it pulls away from a tooth, it does not grow back on its own. A graft replaces what has receded by adding healthy tissue to the area, either from the roof of your mouth or from a donor source, and securing it over the exposed root. As it heals, the new tissue integrates with your existing gums, thickening the band of attached tissue around the tooth.
Recession has many causes, and we see all of them in Ocala. Aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled brush wears tissue away over time. Gum disease destroys the attachment between gum and bone. Clenching and grinding put stress on teeth that can contribute to tissue loss, which is why we may also discuss a night guard or TMJ therapy when those habits are part of the picture. Naturally thin gum tissue, tooth position, and past orthodontic movement can all play a role as well. Understanding the cause matters, because treating the recession without addressing what caused it invites the same problem back.
Your first visit is an evaluation, not a procedure. We examine the gumline tooth by tooth, measure how much recession has occurred, check the health of the surrounding bone, and look for active gum disease. If infection or heavy tartar below the gumline is present, scaling and root planing usually comes first so we are grafting onto healthy tissue. We take time to explain what we find using your own images, because recession is far easier to understand when you can see it.
You may be a good candidate for gum grafting if you are dealing with any of the following:
- Exposed root surfaces that are sensitive to cold, heat, or brushing
- Teeth that appear noticeably longer or uneven compared with neighbors
- Recession that keeps progressing visit after visit
- Thin or minimal gum tissue around a tooth planned for a crown, veneer, or implant
- Root surfaces developing decay or notching where enamel no longer protects them
- Cosmetic concerns about an uneven gumline
We accept periodontal patients without a referral, so Ocala residents can schedule directly with us. We treat both adults and children, and our hygienists work alongside the dentists throughout your care.
What the Procedure and Recovery Involve
On the day of your graft, we numb the area thoroughly before beginning. The recipient site is prepared, the graft tissue is positioned over the exposed root, and fine sutures hold everything in place. For patients who feel anxious, we offer nitrous oxide sedation and oral sedation, which we discuss in advance so nothing on the day is a surprise.
Aftercare is straightforward but important. We ask you to avoid brushing or flossing the surgical site until we clear you, rinse as directed, and stick to soft, cool foods for the first several days. Chips, crusty bread, and anything that requires vigorous chewing can disturb the graft. Most discomfort is manageable, and we give you written instructions along with direct contact information. We see you back for follow-up to check healing and remove sutures, then fold the area into your ongoing periodontal maintenance schedule so the result holds long-term.
Scheduling and Payment for Ocala Patients
Gum grafting often fits into a larger plan. If recession has already caused decay or a tooth needs restoration, our on-site dental lab lets us fabricate crowns and other restorations in-house, which reduces the number of trips you make. We also offer related periodontal procedures including gum contouring, crown lengthening, periodontal regeneration, and dental implants, so care stays under one roof.
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file periodontal claims as a general practitioner. Self-pay patients are welcome, and flexible payment plans are available to spread the cost over time. We will review your estimated coverage before treatment begins.
Along with Ocala, we care for patients from Belleview, Silver Springs, The Villages, Dunnellon, Summerfield, Marion Oaks, Lady Lake, and surrounding communities. If your gums have been receding, call our Ocala office to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Salifu or Dr. Geris.