When gums pull back from the teeth, the root surface underneath can become sensitive, harder to keep clean, and more vulnerable to decay. Soft tissue grafting adds healthy gum tissue to thin or receded areas so each tooth has a stronger, more stable collar of support. At Empower Dental Pasadena, we provide this treatment for patients in Pasadena, Altadena, and nearby San Gabriel Valley neighborhoods.
Gum grafting is one part of our broader periodontal care in Pasadena. Your dentist will look at the cause of your recession first, then explain whether a graft, a nonsurgical approach, or a combination of both makes the most sense for your gums.
Receding gums rarely improve on their own, and an early evaluation may keep your options simpler. Our team offers gentle care, several comfort options, and conversations in English, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Armenian.
Call our Pasadena office or book online to schedule a gum evaluation.
Soft tissue grafting is a periodontal procedure that places a thin piece of gum tissue over an area where the gumline has receded or the tissue is too thin to hold up well. The graft may come from the roof of your mouth, from gum tissue right next to the tooth, or from a processed donor material. Over the following weeks, the new tissue bonds with your existing gums and thickens the band of tissue that protects the root.
This page focuses only on gum tissue. If your exam also shows bone loss around a tooth or a future implant site, our gum grafting and bone regeneration page explains how those combined procedures work. The American Academy of Periodontology also offers patient information on common gum procedures.
Accurate planning helps your dentist decide where tissue is needed and how much. We use 3D digital scanning to map your gumline and AI-assisted radiograph analysis to review the bone and roots beneath it.
Because our doctors practice as Super GPs, the same team that evaluates your gums can also coordinate cleanings, restorations, and follow-up care in one office.
* This calculator provides an illustrative estimate by dividing the treatment cost by the selected number of months. It excludes interest and fees and is not a financing offer. Actual monthly payments may be higher.
* Financing is offered through independent third-party lenders. Approval, rates, fees, terms, and available repayment periods are determined by the respective provider. Contact our office or review the provider’s application for current options.
Most soft tissue grafts are completed in a single office visit. Before surgery, we make sure inflammation is under control, which may mean a professional cleaning or other gum therapy first.
The steps below give you a general picture of treatment day. Your dentist will walk you through the plan for your specific graft before anything begins.
The treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia. If you feel anxious, ask about nitrous, oral, or IV sedation options.
Your dentist gently prepares the receded area and, when needed, collects a small piece of tissue from the palate or nearby gum.
The tissue is positioned over the exposed root and secured with fine sutures so it stays in place while it heals.
Many patients notice initial healing within one to two weeks, and we check the site as the tissue matures over the next few months.
Gum recession tends to develop slowly, so many people do not notice it until a tooth looks longer or a cold drink causes a sharp twinge. Common contributors include gum disease, brushing too hard, teeth grinding, naturally thin gum tissue, and past orthodontic tooth movement.
A graft may be worth discussing if you recognize any of the situations below. Regular exams and cleanings help us measure recession over time so we can recommend treatment before it advances.
Visible root surface or uneven gum heights may signal recession that a graft can help cover.
Exposed roots can react to cold, heat, sweets, or brushing, and added tissue may reduce that sensitivity.
Very thin tissue may recede further over time, and grafting can add thickness before problems grow.
Small notches or root decay near the gumline may need protective tissue once the tooth is restored.
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At Empower Dental Pasadena in Pasadena, CA, advanced tools mean better care. By investing in the latest dental technology, we diagnose with greater accuracy, treat with more precision, and help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile—often with less discomfort along the way.
The cost of soft tissue grafting depends on how many teeth are involved, which type of graft you need, whether donor material is used, and any gum therapy required beforehand. We provide a written treatment estimate after your exam so you know what to expect before you commit.
We accept all PPO plans in network, along with HSA and FSA. Many PPO plans contribute toward grafting when recession threatens tooth health, and our team will check your benefits for you. For the remaining balance, Empower Dental Pasadena offers financing through Alphaeon and Happen Bank. Learn more on our financing and insurance page.
Recession that is caught early may need less extensive treatment, and protecting exposed roots now can help you keep your natural teeth longer. If you live in Pasadena or Altadena and have noticed shrinking gums or new sensitivity, a gum evaluation is a simple place to start.
To schedule a visit, contact Empower Dental Pasadena by phone or book online, and we will help you decide whether soft tissue grafting fits your needs.
The area is numbed with local anesthesia, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain during treatment. Some tenderness is common for several days afterward, especially if tissue was taken from the palate, and it can usually be managed with the aftercare steps we provide.
Many patients see the surface tissue settle within one to two weeks. The graft continues to mature and blend with the surrounding gums over the following months, and we monitor that progress at follow-up visits.
In many cases, grafted tissue blends with the surrounding gums in color and texture once it fully heals. Results vary from person to person, and your dentist will talk through what to expect for your specific site.
Donor graft materials are processed and screened before they are made available to dental offices. They can be a reasonable choice when you prefer to avoid a second surgical site, and your dentist will explain whether donor tissue suits your situation.
Soft, cool foods such as yogurt, eggs, and well-cooked pasta are usually easiest for the first several days. Avoid chewing near the graft, skip very hot, spicy, or crunchy foods, and follow the timeline your dentist gives you.
Gum tissue that has receded generally does not grow back without treatment. Addressing the cause, such as gum disease or aggressive brushing, can help slow further recession, and a graft can restore coverage where tissue has already been lost.
No. Soft tissue grafting rebuilds gum tissue around teeth, while bone regeneration rebuilds the bone that supports teeth or implants. Some patients need both, and your dentist will explain which applies after reviewing your X-rays.
Coverage depends on your plan and the reason for treatment. We accept all PPO plans in network, along with HSA and FSA, and our team will verify your benefits before your procedure.
Yes. Our Pasadena office welcomes patients from Altadena and surrounding communities, and our staff can assist you in English, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Armenian.
At Empower Dental Pasadena, we believe high-quality care should be accessible to every patient. To make treatment more affordable, we partner with trusted financing providers. Available plans, interest rates, and repayment terms vary by provider and are subject to approval. Contact our office or review the provider’s application for current options.
From implants and crowns to cosmetic treatments and smile makeovers, our financing options are designed to help you move forward with your care—without delay.
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At Empower Dental Pasadena, we stand behind the quality of our work with warranties tailored to your specific treatment. Our fixed hybrid prosthetics include a Lifetime Warranty, provided you maintain your recommended hygiene visits and ongoing care. For crowns and other fixed restorations, we offer a 5-year warranty as long as you keep up with regular exams, cleanings, and any dentist-recommended maintenance.
To stay eligible for warranty protection, you’ll need to complete all suggested maintenance at the intervals outlined by the provider or manufacturer. Failure to follow and document routine care could lead to reduced or voided coverage. Proof of service may be required if a claim is submitted.
