Gum tissue recession can result in exposed tooth roots that may cause root sensitivity, bone loss, and an undesirable esthetic. Tissue grafting helps to cover the exposed root and to provide healthy gum tissue around a tooth or teeth to help prevent additional recession and bone loss.

Dr. Karshen will take gum tissue from your palate (roof of your mouth) or from another donor source and transplant it to cover the root surface. Tissue grafting can be performed on one tooth or multiple teeth. 

Fortunately, modern anesthetics can make the procedure pain free in most cases. For the first few days after treatment, you can expect some tenderness on your palate (the roof of your mouth) similar to a pizza burn and achiness in the area where the graft is placed. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or pain relievers like acetaminophen are recommended to ease discomfort. Dr. Karshen may prescribe other pain relieving medications, but they are rarely required.