Gum Grafting
Free gingival grafting to rebuild thin, receding gums — from our two Tacoma locations
Gum Grafting (Free Gingival Graft) in Tacoma, WA
A free gingival graft (FGG) is a minor oral-surgery procedure that adds a strip of firm, attached gum tissue to areas where your gums have become thin, worn, or receded. It is one of the most predictable ways to widen the zone of tough tissue around a tooth, cover or protect an exposed root, and stop recession from getting worse. At Down To Earth Dental, gum grafting is performed as part of our oral surgery and sedation care, with candidacy and technique confirmed during an in-person exam at one of our two Tacoma locations.
What is a free gingival graft?
During an FGG, a small amount of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth (the palate) and secured to the site that needs reinforcement. Unlike some other grafts that tuck tissue under the gum, a free gingival graft places the tissue directly on the surface, which builds a thicker, more resilient band of keratinized (attached) gum. That extra thickness is what helps the area resist future recession, brushing wear, and irritation.
What are the benefits of gum grafting?
- Halts recession before it exposes more root surface.
- Reduces sensitivity to hot, cold, and touch on exposed roots.
- Protects roots from decay and abrasion where enamel does not reach.
- Strengthens thin tissue around teeth, bridges, or implant sites.
- Supports long-term stability so everyday brushing does not keep wearing the area down.
Who is a candidate for an FGG?
Gum grafting is often considered when there is little or no attached gum tissue left, when recession is progressing, or when roots have become sensitive or visibly exposed. It may also be recommended before or alongside other treatment to create a healthier foundation. Candidacy depends on your gum health, the amount of tissue present, and your overall health — factors your provider evaluates during a consultation. Imaging such as CBCT may be used when a fuller view of the site is helpful.
What happens during the procedure?
- The area is thoroughly numbed for comfort, and sedation options are discussed based on your needs and anxiety level.
- A small graft is gently taken from the palate.
- The graft is positioned and secured at the treatment site.
- In some cases, PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) drawn from your own blood may be used to support healing.
Most single-site grafts are completed in one visit. The specifics — including how many sites are treated and which comfort options are used — are tailored to you.
What is recovery like?
Some tenderness, mild swelling, and a raw feeling at the palate donor area are typical in the first several days and usually ease steadily. Soft foods, gentle oral care around the site, and following your aftercare instructions help healing stay on track. Full tissue maturation can take several weeks. Your Down To Earth Dental team will review what to expect and when to check in so recovery stays comfortable and predictable.
Why choose Down To Earth Dental in Tacoma?
As a full-service dental and oral-surgery practice, Down To Earth Dental can plan your graft, provide sedation when appropriate, and coordinate any related care under one roof. With two Tacoma locations serving South Tacoma and Northeast Tacoma, care is convenient wherever you are in the area, and treatment is always matched to your specific gums rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
If receding or sensitive gums are on your mind, the clearest next step is an evaluation. Request an appointment with Down To Earth Dental in Tacoma, WA to find out whether a free gingival graft is right for you and to build a plan around your goals.
Gum Grafting in Northeast Tacoma, WA — Frequently Asked Questions
Will my gums recede again after grafting?
A successful graft builds thicker, more durable tissue that is far more resistant to recession. Long-term results still depend on gentle brushing, good oral hygiene, managing any gum disease, and regular checkups. Addressing the original cause of recession is key. Your Down To Earth Dental team can help you protect the results and keep your gums healthy over time.
What is PRF and why might it be used?
PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) is a concentrate prepared from a small sample of your own blood that is rich in the natural factors involved in healing. When appropriate, it may be applied at the graft site to support tissue recovery. Whether PRF is included depends on your case, and your provider will discuss it as part of your treatment plan.
Is gum grafting safe?
Free gingival grafting is a well-established periodontal procedure performed routinely in dental and oral-surgery care. As with any surgery, there are normal considerations such as temporary soreness or minor bleeding, which your team reviews with you beforehand. A thorough health history and exam help confirm the procedure is appropriate and that healing can proceed smoothly.
Are there alternatives to a free gingival graft?
Depending on your situation, alternatives may include other graft techniques, such as connective-tissue grafts, or non-surgical steps to address the cause of recession like adjusting brushing habits or treating gum disease. In some early cases, monitoring may be appropriate. Your provider at Down To Earth Dental can explain which approach best fits your gums after evaluating the area.
How do I know if I need a gum graft?
Common signs include gums that look shorter, teeth that appear longer, root sensitivity to hot or cold, or visible root surfaces. Only an exam can confirm whether grafting is needed, since it depends on how much attached tissue remains and whether recession is progressing. A consultation at our Tacoma offices is the best way to get a clear answer.
How long does recovery take?
Initial healing usually takes about one to two weeks, with the most tenderness in the first several days. Eating soft foods and gently caring for the area helps. The grafted tissue continues to mature and blend in over several weeks. Your Down To Earth Dental team will let you know what milestones to expect and when to follow up.
What sedation options are available?
Down To Earth Dental offers oral surgery with sedation, and the right choice depends on the complexity of your case, your medical history, and your comfort level. Many grafts are done with local anesthetic alone, while others may benefit from additional sedation. Your provider reviews the options with you during your consultation so you can decide together what feels best.
Does gum grafting hurt?
The procedure itself is done with the area fully numbed, so you should not feel pain during treatment. Afterward, mild soreness and a raw feeling at the palate donor site are common for a few days and typically fade. Sedation options can help anxious patients stay comfortable. Following your aftercare instructions keeps discomfort manageable during healing.
What determines the cost of a free gingival graft?
Cost depends on how many sites need grafting, the size of the areas treated, whether imaging or PRF is used, and the sedation option you choose. Because every case differs, the most accurate estimate comes after an exam at Down To Earth Dental in Tacoma, where your provider can assess the tissue and outline a plan built around your specific needs.
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4125 49th Avenue NE, Ste D
Tacoma, WA 98422
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