Dental · Gum Treatment · Procedure

Gum Grafting: The Procedure, Step by Step

Tissue is usually taken from the palate or supplied as a donor matrix, then sutured over the recession defect. This page covers the gum grafting appointment itself — what is prepared beforehand, what happens in the chair, and what the first hours afterwards feel like. Plan for 1 appointment and 5-7 days.

Get my free quote See recovery timeline →
10,000+International patients matched to date
70%Maximum typical savings vs UK/US pricing
25+Nationalities we coordinate care for each year
24hTypical time to receive your matched quote
Quick answer

Each quadrant takes 45-60 minutes, so a full-mouth case is two appointments of about an hour rather than one long sitting. Local anaesthetic only, infiltrated by quadrant. Full-mouth work is normally split into two sessions so the whole mouth is not numb at once. Tissue is usually taken from the palate or supplied as a donor matrix, then sutured over the recession defect.

Before your procedure

What's confirmed before you're in the chair.

  • A six-point pocket chart and a periapical X-ray series to record baseline attachment loss
  • A smoking assessment — outcomes are measurably worse for smokers and this is worth discussing honestly
  • Diabetes control confirmed, because glycaemic control and periodontal healing move together
  • A written maintenance interval for after the treatment, usually three months rather than six
  • A written, fixed price covering 1 appointment — confirmed before you fly, not on arrival
Step by step

What happens during gum grafting.

  • Stop 01

    Records check on arrival

    Your scan or photographs are reviewed in person against the remote plan. Tissue is usually taken from the palate or supplied as a donor matrix, then sutured over the recession defect.

  • Stop 02

    Charting and diagnosis

    Every tooth is probed at six points and the readings recorded, which defines the treatment and provides the benchmark for the re-evaluation.

  • Stop 03

    Debridement

    Ultrasonic and hand instruments remove calculus from the root surface below the gum line, quadrant by quadrant under anaesthetic.

  • Stop 04

    Re-evaluation

    Six to eight weeks later the chart is repeated. Pockets that have not reduced are the ones considered for surgical access.

  • Stop 05

    What is specific to this option

    Tissue is added to areas of gum recession to protect exposed tooth roots.

  • Stop 06

    Debrief and follow-up

    You leave with written aftercare and the follow-up schedule fixed — for this option that means 5-7 days, with 1 appointment in total.

Anaesthesia & duration

Local anaesthetic only, infiltrated by quadrant. Full-mouth work is normally split into two sessions so the whole mouth is not numb at once.

Each quadrant takes 45-60 minutes, so a full-mouth case is two appointments of about an hour rather than one long sitting.

Who performs it

A periodontist or a hygienist working under periodontal supervision. Ask whether pocket depths are recorded in a six-point chart before and after — that chart is the only objective measure of whether the treatment worked.

Right after the procedure

Gums are tender and may bleed lightly for a day. Teeth often feel more sensitive to cold immediately afterwards because the root surface is newly exposed and clean.

Learn more

Cost and alternatives for Gum Grafting.

Compare vs alternatives → See full cost breakdown →
FAQ

Procedure questions, answered

Does the graft come from my own mouth?

Usually from the palate, though donor matrices avoid a second surgical site at extra cost.

Will full root coverage be achieved?

Often but not always — it depends on how much bone remains between the teeth at the defect.

Can I see my pocket chart before and after?

Yes, and you should. Without the numbers there is no way to judge whether the treatment achieved anything.

Will my gums recede after treatment?

Some recession is expected as inflammation resolves — swollen tissue shrinks. It is a sign of healing, though it can expose more root surface.

What is my maintenance interval?

Three months is standard after active periodontal treatment. Reverting to annual check-ups is the usual route back to disease.

How many visits does gum grafting need in total?

1 appointment — and 5-7 days. Any quote that compresses that materially is worth a second read, because laboratory and healing time set the schedule, not the clinic diary.

How does this compare with the closest alternative?

Periodontal surgery targets pockets and bone; grafting targets soft-tissue coverage.

Recognise the signs

Signs it might be time to look into this.

01

Roots are visibly exposed

Visible root surface is the direct indication.

02

Cold sensitivity at the gum line

Exposed dentine is unprotected by enamel.

03

Recession is getting worse year on year

Progression is the trigger to intervene rather than monitor.

Specific to this option

Gum Grafting: The Procedure, Step by Step: at a glance.

Tissue is usually taken from the palate or supplied as a donor matrix, then sutured over the recession defect.

Sessions1 appointment
Time in Turkey5-7 days
Recovery2 weeks; palate donor site is the sore part
Expected lifespanLong-term if the cause of recession is controlled

Closest alternative

Periodontal surgery targets pockets and bone; grafting targets soft-tissue coverage.

Related options

You might also compare

See how recovery from gum grafting works

Timeline, aftercare and what to watch for, day by day.

View recovery guide
In-depth guide

Gum Grafting: the procedure in detail

Tissue is usually taken from the palate or supplied as a donor matrix, then sutured over the recession defect. Each quadrant takes 45-60 minutes, so a full-mouth case is two appointments of about an hour rather than one long sitting.

What gum grafting involves on the day

Tissue is usually taken from the palate or supplied as a donor matrix, then sutured over the recession defect. Local anaesthetic only, infiltrated by quadrant. Full-mouth work is normally split into two sessions so the whole mouth is not numb at once. Each quadrant takes 45-60 minutes, so a full-mouth case is two appointments of about an hour rather than one long sitting.

Who does the work

A periodontist or a hygienist working under periodontal supervision. Ask whether pocket depths are recorded in a six-point chart before and after — that chart is the only objective measure of whether the treatment worked. Gums are tender and may bleed lightly for a day. Teeth often feel more sensitive to cold immediately afterwards because the root surface is newly exposed and clean.

What to confirm before you book

  • A six-point pocket chart and a periapical X-ray series to record baseline attachment loss
  • A smoking assessment — outcomes are measurably worse for smokers and this is worth discussing honestly
  • Diabetes control confirmed, because glycaemic control and periodontal healing move together
  • A written maintenance interval for after the treatment, usually three months rather than six

Schedule

1 appointment and 5-7 days are what the plan is built around. Periodontal surgery targets pockets and bone; grafting targets soft-tissue coverage.

This page is general educational information, not medical advice, and does not replace guidance from your treating clinician. Always follow the specific instructions given by your treating clinic, and contact them directly with any concerns about your individual case.
Get my free quote