Gum Grafting Surgery in Ottawa

What Is Gum Grafting?

Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that covers exposed tooth roots by adding gum tissue to areas where gums have receded. We take healthy tissue from one area (usually the roof of your mouth or from donor tissue) and carefully attach it where gums have pulled back, restoring proper coverage and protection.

When gums recede, several problems develop: exposed roots are sensitive to temperature and touch, more vulnerable to decay (roots don't have protective enamel), and can make teeth appear longer or uneven. Left untreated, recession often worsens, potentially leading to bone loss and tooth loss. Gum grafting reverses this process, restoring healthy gum coverage and preventing further recession.

Making Gum Surgery Stress-Free

At our Ottawa dental clinic, we believe no one should avoid necessary periodontal care due to fear. That's why sedation dentistry is fundamental to how we approach gum grafting.

Multiple Grafts in One Visit: If you need grafting on several teeth, appropriate sedation allows us to complete all grafts in a single surgical session—one procedure, one recovery period.

Understanding Gum Recession

Gum grafting addresses recession that has exposed tooth roots, creating functional problems, aesthetic concerns, or risk of worsening damage.

Common Reasons for Gum Grafting:

• Root sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods
• Cosmetic concerns—recession makes teeth appear abnormally long or creates uneven gum lines
• Root decay prevention—exposed roots decay much more easily
• Preventing further recession—recession tends to worsen over time
• Preparation for dental work—sometimes crowns or bridges require adequate gum tissue

What Causes Recession:

Gum disease destroying tissue, aggressive brushing, genetics (thin gum tissue), teeth grinding, misaligned teeth, tobacco use, oral piercings, or age.

Warning Signs:

Visible tooth roots, teeth appearing longer, notches at the gum line, sensitivity to temperature, uneven gum lines.

Choosing the Right Technique

What to Expect

On surgery day, we start by administering your chosen sedation. Once comfortable, we thoroughly numb the surgical areas. For grafts using your own tissue, we carefully obtain the graft material from the roof of your mouth (completely numbed). If using donor tissue, we skip this step. We then prepare the recession area, position the graft tissue over the exposed root, tuck it under existing gum edges, and secure it with tiny stitches.

Surgery Time:

Healing Timeline

First 24-48 hours:

Some discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding are normal. Take prescribed pain medication as directed. Apply ice packs to minimize swelling. Sleep with your head elevated. Avoid strenuous activity for 3-4 days.

Diet:

Stick to cool or lukewarm soft foods for the first week. Avoid crunchy, hard, spicy, or acidic foods. Chew on the opposite side. No hot foods or beverages for 48 hours.

Oral Hygiene:

Do NOT brush or floss the grafted area for 2 weeks. Rinse very gently with prescribed mouthwash or warm salt water. After 2 weeks, resume gentle brushing.

Recovery Milestones:

• Days 1-3: Maximum discomfort and swelling
• Days 4-7: Significant improvement
• Days 7-14: Stitches removed
• Weeks 2-4: Graft tissue integrating
• Months 2-3: Final healing with full results visible

Why Grafting Works

Gum grafting offers significant benefits:

• Eliminates root sensitivity
• Prevents further recession
• Protects against root decay
• Improves appearance with even gum lines
• Strengthens gum tissue
• Preserves teeth and bone

Success rates reach 85-95% when properly performed and cared for, with results typically lasting many years.

Maintaining Results

For long-term success after gum grafting:

• Use proper brushing technique with a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions
• Maintain daily oral hygiene with brushing twice and flossing once
• Get regular dental care every 3-6 months
• Protect against grinding with a custom night guard
• Stop smoking
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and stress management

Investing in Your Gum Health

Gum Grafting Costs:

• Starting at $800-1,500 per area depending on technique and extent
• Sedation fees additional

Most dental insurance plans cover gum grafting at 50-80% when medically necessary. We provide direct billing to major insurers and accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

Real Experiences from Ottawa Residents

Read more patient testimonials

Expert Gum Grafting with Complete Comfort

Dentist Referrals Welcome: We collaborate with referring dentists throughout Ottawa and Eastern Ontario for periodontal sedation cases. Learn about our referral process

Serving Families Across the Region

We welcome patients from throughout Ottawa including Kanata, Nepean, Orléans, Stittsville, Manotick, and Greely, as well as Eastern Ontario communities (Rockland, Embrun, Russell, Winchester, Kemptville, Carleton Place, Arnprior, Renfrew, Pembroke, Cornwall, Hawkesbury) and West Quebec (Gatineau, Aylmer, Hull, Chelsea, Wakefield, Buckingham).