Gum recession is common and often creeps up slowly: a tooth starts to look longer, a notch appears at the gum line, or a sip of something cold sends a jolt through one tooth. When the gum pulls back far enough to expose the root, the surface left behind has no protective enamel, so it is more sensitive and more vulnerable to decay and further recession. A gum graft is the surgical procedure that covers that exposed root again with healthy gum tissue. It is not always needed, but when recession is progressing or causing problems, it is the most reliable way to restore the gum.
Key takeaways
- A gum graft covers an exposed tooth root with healthy gum tissue to reduce sensitivity and protect the tooth.
- It is usually considered when recession is getting worse, causing sensitivity, or threatening the tooth.
- The most common type uses a small amount of tissue from the roof of the mouth or a donor source.
- It is a day procedure under local anaesthetic, with most discomfort settling within one to two weeks.
- Treating the cause of recession, such as hard brushing or grinding, is essential or the problem returns.
Why gums recede in the first place
Before considering surgery, it helps to know what drove the recession, because the cause has to be addressed or any graft is at risk of receding again. The common culprits are brushing too hard or with a stiff brush, gum disease that has destroyed supporting tissue, grinding and clenching that stress the gum line, naturally thin gum tissue, and tooth position. Our guide on receding gums covers these causes in detail, and the related sensitive teeth guide explains why an exposed root hurts. Mild recession that is stable and not causing problems often needs monitoring rather than surgery.
When a graft is worth considering
A gum graft tends to be recommended when one or more of these is true: the recession is clearly progressing over time, the exposed root is causing persistent sensitivity that affects daily life, the root is becoming prone to decay, the recession is approaching a point that threatens the tooth's support, or the appearance of a long tooth in the smile line bothers the patient. The decision is individual, and a periodontist or dentist will weigh how much tissue is left, how fast it is changing and what is driving it.
The main types of gum graft
| Type | Where the tissue comes from | Often used for | General cost range (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connective tissue graft | Tissue taken from under the surface of the palate (roof of mouth) | The most common method for covering exposed roots | $600 to $1,200 per tooth/site |
| Free gingival graft | A layer of surface tissue from the palate | Thickening thin gum rather than full root coverage | $600 to $1,200 per site |
| Pedicle (lateral) graft | Gum moved over from next to the receded area | Where there is plenty of gum beside the tooth | $600 to $1,200 per site |
| Donor or tissue-substitute graft | Processed donor tissue instead of your own palate | Avoiding a second site in your mouth | $700 to $1,400 per site |
These are general market ranges, not a quote, and the figure for several teeth treated together is usually lower per tooth than one tooth alone.
What the procedure and recovery involve
A gum graft is a day procedure done under local anaesthetic, so you are awake but the area is fully numb. The graft tissue is secured over the exposed root and the area is left to heal. If tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth, that site is dressed and usually settles within a couple of weeks. Most people manage the recovery with simple pain relief and find the first few days the most tender. For the first week or two you avoid brushing the graft directly, stick to softer foods, and use any rinse your dentist prescribes. Full healing and the final result take a few weeks to a few months as the tissue matures and blends in.
Protecting the result
This is the part people skip and then wonder why the recession comes back. A graft treats the damage, not the cause. If hard brushing caused the recession, switching to a soft brush and a gentle technique is non-negotiable, and our guide on brushing covers how to brush without harming the gums. If grinding is the driver, a night guard protects the gum line. If gum disease is involved, getting it under control with treatment and regular cleans is essential, as our gum disease guide explains. Address the cause and a graft can last for many years.
What it costs
As the table shows, general market fees for gum grafting typically fall in the hundreds to low thousands per site depending on the type and complexity, with private health extras cover sometimes contributing. The only way to get an accurate figure is an assessment of how many teeth are involved and which technique suits. You can see current options on our pricing page or book a consult for a written, itemised quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is a gum graft painful?
The procedure itself is done under local anaesthetic, so it is not painful at the time. Afterwards there is some tenderness, usually worst in the first few days and manageable with simple pain relief, especially at the palate if tissue was taken from there.
How long does a gum graft take to heal?
The initial healing is usually one to two weeks, with the graft maturing and the final appearance settling over several weeks to a few months.
Will my gums recede again after a graft?
Not if the underlying cause is addressed. Continued hard brushing, untreated grinding or active gum disease can cause new recession, which is why treating the cause is part of the plan.
Are there alternatives to surgery for receding gums?
Mild, stable recession may only need monitoring plus fixing the cause. Sensitivity from an exposed root can sometimes be managed with desensitising products. Surgery is for recession that is progressing or causing real problems.
Can receding gums grow back on their own?
No. Gum tissue does not regenerate on its own once it has receded. That is why a graft is the way to physically restore coverage when it is needed.
Receding gums are common and not always a cause for alarm, but when they progress they expose the tooth to real risk. A gum graft is a well-established way to restore the lost tissue, and paired with fixing the habit that caused it, it gives the tooth lasting protection.
