Gum Grafting - Free Gingival Graft

Gum grafts involve the movement of gum tissue from one area of the mouth to another. They are recommended to cover exposed roots protecting them from decay or toothbrush abrasion or to thicken the gums to help prevent gum recession from occurring.

The free gingival graft is used to change the gum tissue at the base of a tooth making it thicker and stronger so it is less likely to recede. They are often necessary before undertaking orthodontic treatment in areas where the gums are thin or already receding.

Patient A

Before Free Gingival Graft                                                                              After Free Gingival Graft

Gum recession was occurring on the 6 lower front teeth. There was very little of the thicker light pink gum tissue present below the gum line, so a free gingival graft was placed below the gum line to make the gums thicker and halt the progression of the gum recession.

Patient B

Before Free Gingival Graft                                                                            After Free Gingival Graft 

Gum recession was beginning on the teeth in the lower left. In this case a free gingival graft using commercially available donor tissue called Alloderm® was placed below the gum line to make the gums thicker.

Patient C

Before Free Gingival Graft                                                                        After Free Gingival Graft

This patient’s gums started to recede during orthodontic treatment so a free gingival graft was placed while the braces were present to stop the gums from receding.