A receding gumline rarely announces itself all at once. It shows up quietly, as a little extra sensitivity here or a slightly longer-looking tooth there, until gum grafting, a periodontal procedure that covers exposed tooth roots by restoring lost gum tissue, becomes the most reliable way to stop that recession from getting worse.
Smile Craft Dental provides gum grafting for Sunnyvale patients when gum recession begins exposing the roots of the teeth. Brushing habits, teeth grinding, genetics, and gum disease can all contribute to recession, and understanding what caused it is an important part of deciding what to do next. Our team will show you what we see, explain why a graft may be recommended, and ensure you know what the procedure involves before treatment begins.
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Think of your gum tissue like the mulch around a garden bed. When it’s thick and well distributed, it protects the roots underneath from exposure to the elements. Strip that mulch away bit by bit, though, and the roots are left bare, vulnerable to everything from decay to sensitivity, and that is essentially what happens as gum tissue recedes.
Recession happens gradually, which is part of why it catches people off guard. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about four in ten U.S. adults aged 30 or older have some level of periodontitis, and untreated gum disease is one of the more common paths toward recession over time. A gum graft rebuilds what’s been lost by taking healthy tissue to cover the exposed root, much like replacing missing mulch to protect the garden bed underneath.
Waiting on gum recession is a bit like ignoring a small leak in your roof because it hasn't reached the ceiling yet. The exposed root surface is softer than enamel, which makes it prone to decay and much more sensitive to hot and cold. Left alone, recession tends to worsen, and the bone that supports your teeth can begin to erode along with the tissue above it. A few signs typically tell us grafting is worth discussing sooner rather than later:
One or more teeth look longer, or you can see or feel an exposed root surface
Cold drinks, sweets, or brushing near the gumline cause noticeable discomfort
Gums look notchy or inconsistent compared to neighboring teeth
A history of gum issues hasn't fully resolved with cleanings alone
Catching recession at this stage usually means a more straightforward graft and a shorter recovery. In more advanced cases where bone loss has already begun, we may pair grafting with additional support, similar to how our bone grafting procedures rebuild a stable foundation before certain restorative work can move forward.
The team you trust with your gum surgery matters. We approach every procedure with the same patience and attention we bring to routine care, listening closely to your concerns and using modern dental technology to provide treatment tailored to your needs.
Gum surgery can sound intimidating when you are not sure what to expect. Before your procedure, we will explain what we are doing, what you may feel, and what recovery will look like afterward. You will also have plenty of time to ask questions so you know what to expect before treatment begins.
Gum grafting is a more involved procedure than a routine cleaning, so we approach it with the same surgical care we bring to our periodontal surgery services. Depending on your case, we may use tissue from another area of your mouth or a donor graft. We numb the area thoroughly so the procedure remains comfortable throughout.
After a gum graft, one of the most important things you can do is give the area time to heal without disturbing it. For the first couple of weeks, we may recommend softer foods and ask you to avoid brushing directly over the graft site. Follow-up visits give us a chance to check the tissue as it heals and make adjustments if anything needs additional attention.
The cost of gum grafting depends on the extent of gum recession and the technique used. We accept most major dental insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to help make treatment affordable. Call (650) 967-9900 to schedule a consultation and get a personalized cost estimate.
If your gums have started pulling back, you don’t have to just wait and watch the problem get worse. A consultation gives us the chance to look closely at what’s driving the recession and talk through what grafting would actually involve for your specific situation, in plain language, with every question answered before any decision gets made. Many patients are also due for a routine dental checkup around the same time recession gets noticed, so we’re happy to combine both visits if that fits your schedule better.
Smile Craft Dental has spent years building relationships with patients across Sunnyvale and Redwood City, and protecting your gum health is part of how we keep those smiles healthy for the long run. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward stronger, better-protected gums.
Dr. Chou and our Sunnyvale team bring a cosmetic dentist's eye for color, shape, and detail to every treatment.
Lead Dentist · Smile Craft Dental Sunnyvale
Dr. Chou works closely with Dr. Brendon Nguyen and each patient to design a personalized smile plan that matches their goals and natural smile. Our team is proud to offer Spanish-speaking staff for patients who are more comfortable communicating in their native language. Her approach is straightforward: explain everything clearly, listen carefully, and never recommend a treatment that isn’t the right fit.
See what patients say about their experience at Smile Craft Dental.
Smile Craft Dental is a family dental practice serving Sunnyvale and the surrounding South Bay. We accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to make quality dental care accessible, with Spanish-speaking staff available to assist patients who prefer communicating in Spanish. If you are ready to explore cosmetic dentistry, we make it easy to get started — contact us to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a confident smile.
Sunnyvale, CA
Serving the South Bay and surrounding communities