Soft Tissue Grafting Waterloo, ON
Soft tissue grafting is often necessary to combat gum recession. Periodontal disease, trauma, aging, over brushing, and poor tooth positioning are the leading causes of gum recession which can lead to tooth-root exposure in severe cases.
When the roots of the teeth become exposed, eating hot and cold foods can be uncomfortable, decay is more prevalent and the aesthetic appearance of the smile is altered. The main goal of soft tissue grafting is to either cover the exposed root or to thicken the existing gum tissue in order to halt further tissue loss.
The three different types of common soft tissue grafts include:
- Free gingival graft – A strip of tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth and stitched to the grafting site in order to promote natural growth. This type of graft is most commonly used for thickening existing tissue.
- Connective tissue graft – For larger areas or root exposure, subepithelial tissue is needed to remedy the problem. This subepithelial connective tissue is removed from a small flap in the mouth and sutured to the grafting site. This is the most common treatment for root exposure.
- Pedicle graft – This type of graft involves the “sharing” of soft tissue between the affected site and adjacent gum. A flap of tissue is partially cut away and moved sideways to cover the root. The results of this type of graft are excellent because the tissue that is moved to the adjacent area includes blood vessels that are left in place.
Reasons for Soft Tissue Grafting
Soft tissue grafting is an extremely versatile procedure that has many uses. Recent developments in dental technology have made soft tissue grafting more predictable and less intrusive. Here are some of the main benefits associated with soft tissue grafting treatment:
- Increased comfort – Root exposure can cause substantial pain and discomfort. Eating hot, cold or even warm foods can cause severe discomfort. Soft tissue grafts cover the exposed root, decreases sensitivity and restore good health to the gum area.
- Improved aesthetics – Gum recession due to periodontal disease can cause the smile to look “toothy” or the teeth to appear uneven in size. Soft tissue grafting can be used as a cosmetic procedure to re-augment the gums, and make the smile appear more symmetrical.
- Improved gum health – Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that can destroy soft tissue very rapidly. When used in combination with deep cleaning procedures, soft tissue grafting can halt tissue and bone loss, and protect exposed roots from further complications.
What Does Soft Tissue Grafting Treatment Involve?
Initially, deep cleaning will be performed both above and below the gum line to clear the teeth and roots of calculus (tartar). The grafting procedure itself will generally be performed under local anesthetic, but this will depend on the size of the areas receiving grafts. A small incision will be made at the recipient site in order to create a small pocket. A split thickness incision is made in this pocket and the donor tissue is placed between the two sections of this area. The donor tissue strip is generally larger than the incision, so some excess will be apparent.
Platelet rich growth factors which stimulate natural tissue growth and promote good healing may be applied to the site before suturing. In addition, tissue-stimulating proteins may be added to encourage quicker tissue growth. Finally, the wound site will be sutured to prevent shifting, and surgical material will be placed to protect the sensitive area. Gum uniformity and substantial healing will take place in the first six weeks after the procedure.
If you have any questions about soft tissue grafting, please ask your dentist.
Book Your Soft Tissue Grafting Consultation in Waterloo
Receding gums leave tooth roots exposed, raise sensitivity, and put the teeth at higher risk of decay and loss. Soft tissue grafting rebuilds the gumline using tissue from the roof of your mouth or a donor source, so the roots are covered again and the gum sits where it should.
At Trillium Dental Centre, soft tissue grafting is performed as part of our periodontics services in Waterloo, often alongside gum grafting and receding gum treatment. We’re inside Conestoga Mall at 550 King Street N, with free parking and direct bus access from Kitchener and across Waterloo Region. Sedation is offered for patients who feel anxious about gum surgery. Twelve languages spoken at the chair, including Hindi, Gujarati, Arabic, Korean, and Urdu, so you can ask the questions you’d ask in your own home.
Call (519) 746-4000 to book a consultation, or request an appointment online. New patients welcome. CDCP and most private insurance plans accepted with direct billing.
What to Expect During Soft Tissue Grafting
Soft tissue grafting strengthens or rebuilds thin gum tissue, typically around teeth that have receding gums or around dental implants where additional tissue thickness is needed. It's the broader category of which gum grafting for recession is a common type.
Several techniques fit different needs. Free gingival grafting takes a strip of tissue from the palate to thicken thin attached gum tissue. Connective tissue grafting uses subepithelial palatal tissue tunneled under existing gum to thicken or cover recession. Allograft (donor tissue) substitutes avoid a palatal donor site by using processed human tissue.
The procedure runs 60 to 90 minutes under local anaesthetic. The palate donor site (when used) heals over two to three weeks under a protective stent; the recipient site continues to mature over several months. We see you back at one week, two weeks, one month, and three months to monitor healing.
Who Is a Candidate for Soft Tissue Grafting
Soft tissue grafting is appropriate when:
- Gum recession is causing sensitivity, cosmetic concerns, or progressive loss
- Attached gum tissue is too thin to maintain stability — risking further recession
- A dental implant site needs additional tissue thickness for predictable long-term function
- Thin tissue exists adjacent to orthodontic forces that may otherwise drive further recession
- A restoration's margin needs more gingival support
Active periodontal disease needs control first. Smoking impairs healing significantly. Bruxism that's driving recession should be addressed (with an occlusal splint) concurrently. The cause of the tissue thinning is part of the treatment plan — addressing the cause and adding tissue together gives the most stable outcome.
Healing and Aftercare
Most patients return to office work within 1 to 2 days. The palate donor site (when used) is typically the most uncomfortable area, particularly during eating in the first week. Prescription pain medication for the first day or two; over-the-counter ibuprofen sufficient after.
Soft diet for the first week. No brushing on the surgical area for two weeks — antimicrobial mouthwash instead. Avoid lifting the lip or cheek to examine the area; the early tissue is fragile. Sutures are typically self-dissolving and fall away within 7-14 days.
Visible healing is gradual. Initial closure at one to two weeks; soft tissue maturation continues over two to three months. Final cosmetic and functional outcomes are assessed at the 3-month visit. Long-term, the grafted tissue functions like the surrounding tissue and is maintained with regular cleanings and gentle home care.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Soft tissue grafting fees depend on the technique, the size of the area, and the tissue source (your own palatal tissue, allograft, or synthetic substitute). We follow the current Ontario Dental Association (ODA) Suggested Fee Guide and provide a written estimate at the consultation.
Soft tissue grafting is generally covered under major periodontal services on extended dental insurance plans, typically 50% reimbursement subject to your annual maximum. Purely cosmetic grafting may be excluded by some plans. We submit predetermination so you know your coverage in advance. The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers some periodontal procedures for eligible patients.
Soft Tissue Grafting — Frequently Asked Questions
Is it the same as gum grafting?
Closely related. Gum grafting is the common term for soft tissue grafting around teeth (typically to cover recession). Soft tissue grafting is the broader category that also includes grafting around implants and for restorative-driven indications. The underlying techniques are similar.
How long does the donor site take to heal?
Two to three weeks for initial healing of the palatal donor site (when one is used). A protective stent or palatal protection plate during the first one to two weeks significantly reduces discomfort and accelerates comfort during eating. Final mucosa healing continues over a couple of months.
Are donor-tissue alternatives as effective?
For many indications, yes. Allograft tissue and certain synthetic matrices can produce comparable outcomes to autograft (your own tissue) without the donor-site discomfort. Specific cases — particularly those needing dense, keratinized attached tissue — may favor autograft. We discuss the options at the consultation.
Will the grafted tissue match my other gums?
Connective tissue grafts typically integrate to match surrounding tissue well in colour and texture. Free gingival grafts may look slightly different (sometimes paler) for the first months and may remain marginally distinct long-term. For visible areas (front teeth), we generally prefer techniques that preserve cosmetic uniformity.
How long does the result last?
A successful graft is generally stable long-term — comparable to surrounding tissue. Recurrence of recession is possible if the underlying cause (aggressive brushing, grinding, periodontal disease) isn't addressed. We coach on cause prevention as part of the long-term plan.