Gum Grafting in Dunnellon
If you've noticed a tooth looking longer than it used to, or you wince when cold water hits a certain spot near the gumline, gum recession may be the reason. We hear this often from patients traveling to us from Dunnellon — a sensitive eyetooth, a dark notch at the root, or a hygienist's note that the gums have pulled back another millimeter. Gum grafting is the procedure we use to rebuild that lost tissue, and we perform it right here in our Ocala office, where we've cared for Marion County families for more than 30 years.
Gum grafting replaces gum tissue that has worn away from around the roots of your teeth. Healthy gums form a tight collar of firm tissue around each tooth. When that collar thins or recedes — from gum disease, aggressive brushing, grinding, thin tissue you inherited, or years of ordinary wear — the root surface becomes exposed. Root surfaces have no enamel, so they feel cold and sweet sensations sharply and decay more easily. Over time, recession can also loosen the tooth's support.
During a graft, we add tissue over the exposed root and secure it so it can heal into place and reattach. Depending on your situation, the tissue may be taken from the roof of your mouth or sourced from a donor graft material. We discuss which approach fits your anatomy and goals before anything is scheduled, so you know exactly what the appointment involves. Gum grafting is one part of the periodontal care we provide, alongside scaling and root planing, periodontal regeneration, crown lengthening, cosmetic gum contouring, and periodontal maintenance.
The Dunnellon patients we treat usually come to us in one of a few situations. Some have recession on a single tooth that is sensitive enough to interrupt meals. Others have recession across several teeth and want to stop it before the roots decay or the teeth loosen. A third group is bothered by appearance — uneven gumlines or teeth that look noticeably long when they smile.
You may be a good candidate for gum grafting if:
- Recession has exposed root surfaces, causing sensitivity to cold, air, or brushing
- Your gumline keeps moving over time, even with careful home care
- Exposed roots are decaying or notching near the gumline
- Uneven or receded gums affect how your smile looks
- Active gum disease has been treated or is being managed, so grafted tissue has a stable foundation
If gum disease is still active, we treat that first — grafting onto inflamed tissue does not serve you well. We also look at habits that contributed to the recession, such as brushing technique or clenching, since addressing the cause helps protect the result. You do not need a referral to be seen; you can call us directly.
What the Process Looks Like
Your first visit is an evaluation. We examine the gums, measure recession and pocket depths, review X-rays, and talk through what you've noticed at home. From there we explain your options plainly, including what grafting would and would not change, and put together a written plan. Many Dunnellon patients appreciate combining this with a cleaning or exam so one trip covers more ground.
On the day of the procedure, the area is thoroughly numbed. We prepare the root surface, place the graft tissue, and secure it with fine sutures. Nitrous oxide sedation and oral sedation are available if dental work makes you anxious — just tell us in advance so we can plan for it. The appointment is typically done in one visit, and you'll leave with written aftercare instructions and a follow-up already scheduled.
Healing and Aftercare
For the first days, we ask you to protect the site: no brushing or flossing directly over the graft, soft foods, and no pulling at your lip to look at it. We'll tell you how to clean the surrounding teeth and what rinses to use. Mild swelling and tenderness are normal early on, and we're reachable if anything concerns you.
We check healing at your follow-up and remove sutures when appropriate. Long term, the goal is keeping the result stable, so we'll set you up on a periodontal maintenance schedule and coach you on gentle brushing. If grinding contributed to the recession, a night guard may be part of the plan.
Insurance, Payment, and Scheduling from Dunnellon
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 so treatment can be spread out rather than paid all at once. Before you commit, we review estimated costs with you.
Our office serves patients of all ages from Dunnellon, Ocala, Belleview, Dunnellon-area communities, and across Marion County, with Dr. Hussein Salifu and Dr. Marco Geris leading care. We also offer emergency appointments when something can't wait. Call us to schedule an evaluation.