Based in Central London’s world renowned Harley Street district
Based in Central London’s world renowned Harley Street district
Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that repairs receding gums by transplanting healthy tissue to cover exposed tooth roots. When gums recede, they pull away from the teeth, exposing the delicate root surfaces which lack protective enamel and are significantly more vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, and further damage.
The most common technique is the connective tissue graft, where tissue is taken from beneath the surface of the roof of your mouth and stitched to the area of recession. This provides excellent coverage of exposed roots with natural-looking results. Alternative techniques include free gingival grafts and pedicle grafts, chosen based on your specific needs and the amount of existing gum tissue.
At our 106 Harley Street practice, gum graft procedures are performed using local anaesthetic, typically taking around one hour per treatment area. Recovery is relatively quick, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few days. Initial healing occurs within one to two weeks, and success rates exceed 90% when combined with proper aftercare.
Gum recession often develops gradually, so many patients don’t notice until sensitivity or aesthetic concerns become apparent. If you’ve noticed your teeth appearing longer, increased sensitivity to hot or cold, or visible root surfaces, a consultation can determine whether gum grafting is appropriate for you.
We offer flexible payment plans to help spread the cost of your treatment.
Gum graft surgery requires precision and experience for optimal results. Our practitioners have advanced training in periodontal procedures, using refined techniques that minimise tissue trauma and promote faster healing. This expertise ensures natural-looking coverage with the best chance of long-term success.
We offer multiple grafting approaches tailored to your specific situation. From traditional connective tissue grafts to modern tunnel techniques that treat multiple teeth with minimal incisions, we select the method that provides the most predictable results for your case.
Your treatment includes detailed post-operative care instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor healing. We provide guidance on protecting your graft during recovery and long-term maintenance to prevent future recession. Our goal is lasting results that protect your teeth for years to come.
Gum recession can result from several factors including periodontal disease, aggressive brushing with a hard toothbrush, teeth grinding, genetic predisposition to thin gum tissue, smoking, hormonal changes, and misaligned teeth. Often multiple factors contribute. During your consultation, we identify the underlying causes to address them alongside the grafting procedure.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel pain during surgery. Afterwards, some soreness and discomfort is normal for a few days, particularly at the donor site on the roof of your mouth. This is manageable with over-the-counter painkillers. Most patients find the discomfort less than expected.
Initial healing takes one to two weeks. Most patients return to normal activities within two to three days, though you should avoid strenuous exercise for about a week. Chewing may be uncomfortable for the first week, so soft foods are recommended. The donor site on the roof of your mouth heals by itself within two to three weeks.
When performed correctly with proper aftercare, gum graft surgery has success rates exceeding 90%. The grafted tissue integrates with your existing gum to provide lasting coverage of exposed roots. However, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and addressing the original causes of recession are essential to prevent future problems.
With proper care, gum grafts provide long-lasting results. However, the factors that caused initial recession must be addressed to prevent recurrence. This may include adjusting brushing technique, wearing a night guard for teeth grinding, or more frequent hygiene-clean appointments. We provide personalised guidance to protect your results.
