Whether you need soft tissue augmentation around dental implants or treatment for gingival recession, our team is here to deliver lasting, aesthetic results with the most advanced surgical techniques.
What Is Soft Tissue Grafting?
Soft tissue grafting is a surgical procedure that involves taking gum tissue from one area of the mouth and transplanting it to another.
This process strengthens thin or receded gum tissue, protects exposed tooth roots, and creates a stable foundation for restorations like dental implants. We use several types of soft tissue grafts, each suited to different clinical needs.
Types of Soft Tissue Grafts We Offer
We specialize in the following grafting techniques to rebuild healthy gum tissue and optimize both function and appearance.
Connective Tissue Grafts
This is the most common type of soft tissue graft. It involves placing connective tissues from beneath the surface of the palate over areas of gum recession.
Connective tissue grafts are ideal for covering exposed roots and reinforcing thin gum tissue, especially around a natural tooth.
Free Gingival Grafts
This procedure involves removing a thin layer of gingival tissue directly from the roof of the mouth and attaching it to the recipient site.
Free gingival grafting is commonly used to thicken the gum tissue and prevent further recession.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening involves reshaping the gum and sometimes the underlying bone to expose more of the natural tooth.
This can be done to improve the aesthetics of a “gummy smile,” prepare the mouth for a dental restoration, or access decay below the gumline. It is often combined with other soft tissue grafting procedures for ideal outcomes.
Vascularized Interpositional Grafting
This advanced technique involves repositioning tissue with an intact blood supply. It is particularly useful for more complex cases where maintaining the vitality of the graft is essential.
Vascularized interpositional grafts are often used in soft tissue augmentation around dental implants or in areas with poor healing potential.
| Procedure | Purpose | Tissue Source | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connective Tissue Graft | Covers exposed roots and reinforces thin gum tissue | Beneath the palate (subepithelial) | Moderate to severe gum recession around natural teeth | Most commonly used grafting technique |
| Free Gingival Graft | Thickens gum tissue to prevent further recession | Surface of the palate | Increasing gum thickness in areas with minimal keratinized tissue | Often used for lower front teeth and areas prone to trauma |
| Crown Lengthening | Exposes more of the tooth by reshaping gum and bone | Uses patient’s own gum tissue | Restorative or cosmetic needs, like preparing for crowns or veneers | Also improves access to decay or fractures near the gumline |
| Vascularized Interpositional Graft | Maintains blood supply for complex tissue repositioning | Tissue adjacent to the graft site | Soft tissue augmentation near dental implants or poor healing areas | Advanced technique with higher success in complex cases |
When Is Soft Tissue Grafting Needed?
Soft tissue grafting is often recommended in the following cases:
- To treat gum recession and protect exposed tooth roots
- To prepare for or maintain dental implants
- To improve the appearance of the gumline
- To strengthen thin or weak gum tissue
- To stabilize areas at risk of further soft tissue loss
- To enhance the fit and outcome of crowns, bridges, or other restorations
If you have experienced tooth loss, gum disease, or thinning gums, soft tissue grafts can help prevent further complications and support long-term outcomes.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Your soft tissue grafting procedure will begin with a thorough consultation, where we evaluate your gum health, review imaging, and design a personalized treatment plan.
On the day of surgery, we use local anesthesia with optional sedation to keep you comfortable. Depending on the type of graft needed, tissue will be gently taken from your palate or another site and placed where your gums need support.
The graft is precisely positioned and sutured in place. To improve long-term outcomes, we often use Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), a concentrated source of healing factors derived from your own blood. PRF helps reduce swelling, encourages soft tissue regeneration, and speeds recovery.
Most patients can return to light activity within a couple of days. We recommend a soft diet and gentle oral hygiene as you heal. Our team will monitor your progress closely during follow-up visits.
Meet Our Surgeon
At Adara Surgical Institute, your care is led by a highly trained and credentialed oral surgeon.
Dr. Hardeep Dhaliwal is one of the few surgeons in the country who is quadruple board-certified in General Cosmetic Surgery, Facial Cosmetic Surgery, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in the United States and Canada. His extensive training and experience allow him to deliver exceptional outcomes in both surgical and aesthetic procedures.
Our team’s unique blend of expertise ensures that every soft tissue grafting procedure is performed with precision, safety, and long-term success in mind.
Adara Surgical Institute
Schedule a Consultation
Healthy gum tissue plays a vital role in protecting your teeth and supporting overall oral health. Whether you need treatment for gum recession or soft tissue support around a dental implant, our team can help you restore balance, stability, and confidence in your smile.
To book a consultation at our oral surgery office in Issaquah, WA, call (425) 428-5888 or visit us at 6505 226th Pl SE STE #100 Issaquah, WA.
We are located in the heart of Issaquah, WA, in the back of Meadow Creek Business Center. We have plenty of parking and easy access into our building, which is conveniently located on the first floor and easily accessible for all patients.
Request an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Does gum grafting hurt?
Most patients are surprised by how little discomfort they feel during and after the procedure. We use local anesthesia and offer sedation options for a completely relaxed experience. After surgery, you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions, and we may recommend PRF to promote faster healing and reduce post-operative sensitivity.
How long is recovery?
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. Full healing may take a few weeks, depending on the type of graft used.
Can I combine this with other procedures?
Yes, we frequently combine soft tissue grafting with implant placement or crown lengthening to streamline your treatment and recovery.