Why Soft Tissue Grafting Matters
The gum tissue surrounding your teeth and dental implants serves as a protective seal that keeps bacteria from reaching the underlying bone. When this tissue is thin, receded, or absent, several problems can occur: exposed tooth roots become sensitive to temperature and more susceptible to decay, the appearance of the gum line becomes uneven or “toothy,” and implants become more vulnerable to peri-implantitis — a bacterial infection of the tissues surrounding the implant that is the leading cause of late implant failure.
Soft tissue grafting procedures address these problems by augmenting the gum tissue to the appropriate thickness and position. The results improve both the health and the appearance of the gum line, and they protect your investment in dental implants for the long term.
Adequate keratinized tissue around implants significantly reduces the risk of peri-implantitis and implant failure.
Reduces sensitivity and protects exposed root surfaces from decay and further recession.
Restores an even, natural gum line for a more aesthetic smile.
All soft tissue grafting at Loukas Dentistry is performed in our Park Ridge office — no referrals required.
Connective Tissue Graft
The most commonly performed soft tissue grafting procedure
The connective tissue graft (CTG) is the most widely used soft tissue grafting technique in dentistry. A small incision is made in the roof of the mouth (palate), and a thin layer of connective tissue is harvested from beneath the surface. This tissue is then placed at the recipient site — typically an area of gum recession or thin tissue around a tooth or implant — and sutured in place.
The connective tissue graft is particularly effective for covering exposed tooth roots and thickening thin gum tissue around implants. Because the graft tissue is taken from beneath the surface of the palate rather than from the surface itself, the palate heals quickly and with minimal discomfort. The results are highly predictable and long-lasting.
- Covers exposed tooth roots and reduces sensitivity
- Thickens thin gum tissue around implants and teeth
- Predictable, long-lasting results
- Minimal palate discomfort compared to free gingival graft
- Can treat multiple recession sites in a single procedure
Free Gingival Graft
Creating a band of keratinized tissue around implants and teeth
A free gingival graft (FGG) involves taking a thin strip of tissue directly from the surface of the palate and placing it at the recipient site. Unlike the connective tissue graft, the free gingival graft includes the surface epithelium as well as the underlying connective tissue. This produces a thicker, more keratinized (toughened) tissue at the recipient site.
The free gingival graft is the preferred technique when the primary goal is to create or widen a band of keratinized tissue — particularly around dental implants in areas where the natural tissue is thin or mobile. Adequate keratinized tissue around implants is one of the most important factors in preventing peri-implantitis and ensuring long-term implant health.
- Creates a wide band of keratinized tissue around implants
- Prevents peri-implantitis by stabilizing the tissue-implant interface
- Reduces tissue mobility around implants and teeth
- Particularly useful in the lower jaw where tissue is naturally thin
- Long-lasting, highly predictable results
Allograft Soft Tissue
Donor tissue that eliminates the second surgical site at the palate
For patients who prefer to avoid harvesting tissue from their own palate, or in cases where multiple sites need to be treated simultaneously, processed donor soft tissue (allograft) is an excellent alternative. Soft tissue allografts are derived from human donor tissue that has been processed and sterilized by a licensed tissue bank under strict FDA regulations.
Soft tissue allografts eliminate the second surgical site at the palate, which reduces post-operative discomfort and recovery time significantly. Clinical studies have shown that soft tissue allografts produce results comparable to autogenous (patient’s own) tissue grafts in terms of root coverage and tissue augmentation. They are particularly useful when treating multiple recession sites or when the patient’s palate does not have sufficient tissue available for harvesting.
- Eliminates the second surgical site at the palate
- Reduces post-operative discomfort and recovery time
- Allows treatment of multiple sites simultaneously
- FDA-cleared with an excellent safety record
- Comparable clinical results to autogenous tissue grafts
Soft Tissue Grafting Questions and Answers
Common questions from our Park Ridge patients about soft tissue grafting.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the surgery. The most common source of post-operative discomfort is the palate donor site, which can be sore for 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure. Most patients manage this well with over-the-counter pain relievers. If you choose an allograft (donor tissue), there is no palate donor site and recovery is typically much more comfortable.
Most patients return to normal activities within 1 to 2 days after soft tissue grafting. The palate donor site (if applicable) takes approximately 2 weeks to heal completely. The grafted tissue at the recipient site takes 4 to 6 weeks to fully integrate and mature. We will provide detailed post-operative instructions including dietary restrictions (soft foods for the first week) and oral hygiene guidelines to protect the graft during healing.
The timing depends on the specific situation. In some cases, soft tissue grafting is performed before implant placement to ensure there is adequate tissue at the site. In other cases, it is performed after the implant has integrated, once the final position of the gum tissue around the implant can be assessed. We will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the optimal timing as part of your overall implant treatment plan.
Many dental insurance plans cover soft tissue grafting when it is performed for functional reasons — such as to treat gum recession that is causing sensitivity or putting teeth at risk. Coverage for grafting performed primarily for cosmetic reasons is less common. We will verify your benefits before treatment and provide a clear breakdown of your estimated costs. Financing options are also available.
Questions About Soft Tissue Grafting?
Call us to schedule a consultation with Drs. Thanasi and Maria Loukas. We will evaluate your gum tissue and recommend the procedure that best addresses your specific needs.
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