What is involved?
Targeted addition of soft tissue around a tooth or implant.
← All explanationsGum graft
Why is gum tissue transplanted?
A gum graft places tissue where the gum situation is unfavourable. Depending on the procedure, the aim may be to widen or thicken attached tissue or cover part of an exposed root. Complete root coverage is not possible in every situation.
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Clarify the goal
Recession can expose roots. A graft may aim for more resilient tissue or root coverage; these are different objectives.
Add tissue where needed
Tissue often comes from the palate. The technique and donor site depend on the findings; not every recession needs surgery.
Protect healing
The graft is secured and protected during healing. Care instructions and review matter. Pain, bleeding or incomplete healing can occur.
At a glance
When may it help?
In selected tissue deficiencies, symptoms or cleaning difficulties.
What belongs in planning?
Cause assessment, technique, risks, healing care and follow-up.
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Often confused
Free gingival or connective tissue graft?
A free gingival graft can widen attached gum. Connective tissue beneath repositioned gum can increase thickness and contribute to root coverage.
Quick answers
Does this regrow bone?
Soft tissue grafting is not bone grafting. It primarily concerns gum or connective tissue.
Will every exposed root be completely covered?
No. Coverage depends on factors including tissue between the teeth, defect shape and healing.
Does recession always need surgery?
No. Causes, symptoms, cleanability and progression are assessed first.
At the practice
For your consultation
A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Is the aim in my case more stable tissue, fewer symptoms or root coverage?
At the practice, findings, personal wishes and possible next steps are discussed through a consultation and examination.
With gum recession, discussing both the cause and an achievable goal is useful.
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Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.
- Recession
- Apical movement of the gum margin exposing root surface.
- Connective tissue graft
- Tissue transferred from a layer beneath the mucosal surface.
- Recipient site
- The area into which donor tissue is placed.
Know the difference
More attached gum and complete root coverage are different treatment goals. The intended aim should be explained before surgery.
Sources for further learning
Sources and context
Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.