Gum recession happens gradually, which means many patients don’t notice it until it has already progressed. By the time roots become visible or sensitivity becomes noticeable, the gum tissue that once covered and protected those roots is gone — and it will not grow back on its own. Gum grafting replaces that lost tissue, covering the exposed root surface, reducing sensitivity, and restoring the biological seal that protects the tooth from the oral environment. Left untreated, gum recession can contribute to root decay, bone loss, and eventual tooth instability.
At LALUME Dental Studio in Newport Beach, gum grafting is performed by our visiting periodontist, Dr. Ara Bakian, who comes to the practice monthly to carry out specialty procedures. Whether your dentist has flagged recession during a routine exam or you have noticed increased sensitivity and visible root exposure, our preventive dentistry approach is built around protecting what you have before it becomes a more significant problem to address.
From your first appointment, you’ll notice that LALUME is not a typical dental office. Every detail of our Newport Beach studio has been thoughtfully designed to feel calm, elevated, and genuinely welcoming.
Dr. Bakian, our visiting periodontist, brings advanced training directly to our Newport Beach studio once a month, so you can receive expert gum grafting without being referred to an outside practice.
We believe in preserving as much of your natural tissue as possible. Every recommendation we make is guided by what is most protective of your long-term oral health, not what is most invasive.
Our practice was designed to feel more like a luxury spa than a dental office. From private treatment rooms to concierge-level care, we want your visit to feel comfortable from start to finish.
Gum grafting is a periodontal surgical procedure that uses tissue, most often taken from the roof of the mouth or from a certified tissue bank, to cover exposed root surfaces and rebuild the band of gum tissue that protects the tooth. The procedure addresses both the functional and cosmetic consequences of recession. Functionally, an adequate band of attached gingiva acts as a biological barrier against bacteria, insulates the root from temperature extremes, and provides the structural stability that keeps the tooth anchored in the bone. Cosmetically, recession creates the appearance of teeth that look longer than they should, with uneven gumlines that draw attention away from the smile.
There are several graft techniques available, and the right choice depends on your specific pattern of recession, the thickness of your existing tissue, and the number of teeth involved. The connective tissue graft is the most widely studied approach — tissue is harvested from beneath the palatal mucosa and transplanted to the recession site, where it integrates with the surrounding gum and forms a durable, natural-looking gumline. The free gingival graft, which takes tissue directly from the surface of the palate, is often preferred for patients with thin gum tissue who need volume augmentation. In some cases, donor tissue from a tissue bank eliminates the need for a palatal harvest site altogether. Research published in the Journal of Periodontology via the National Institutes of Health confirms that connective tissue grafting combined with a coronally positioned flap produces reliable root coverage outcomes for Miller Class I and II gingival recession. Dr. Bakian evaluates each patient individually and recommends the technique most likely to produce a stable, lasting result for your specific anatomy.
Several factors contribute to gum recession, and identifying the underlying driver is essential to selecting the right graft approach and preventing recurrence. Common causes include aggressive brushing technique, a naturally thin tissue biotype (some patients simply have thinner gum tissue that is more prone to recession regardless of hygiene habits), periodontal disease, prior orthodontic treatment that moved teeth outside the bony housing, clenching or grinding habits, and high frenum attachments that create continuous pull on the gum margin. In many cases, a combination of factors is at play. An evaluation with Dr. Bakian assesses the cause, the severity, and the number of teeth involved, so the treatment plan is built around your specific anatomy rather than a one-size approach.
Every gum graft at LALUME begins with a thorough evaluation, including measurements of recession depth at each tooth, an assessment of tissue thickness, and a discussion of your goals and concerns. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and sedation is available for patients who prefer additional comfort. Dr. Bakian then carefully harvests and positions the donor tissue over the areas of recession, securing it with fine sutures to allow integration with the surrounding gum. In the first 48 hours after the procedure, mild swelling and tenderness are common, and cold compresses along with soft foods help manage discomfort. Over the first two weeks, the graft begins to heal and the tenderness steadily resolves. Full tissue maturation continues over several weeks to months, during which regular hygiene visits help protect the result and catch any new areas of recession early.
Gum recession may be gradual, but the damage it causes is cumulative and progressive. Exposed root surfaces are not protected by enamel, which means they are vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and further tissue loss with every year that treatment is delayed. When bone loss accompanies gum recession, the structural integrity of the tooth itself is at risk. Grafting stops this progression and provides the foundation needed to keep your natural teeth healthy long term.
At LALUME, Dr. Bakian evaluates not only the current state of your gum tissue but also the conditions that may drive further recession, including brushing habits, bite forces, and any underlying gum disease. For patients who need comprehensive care, Dr. Bakian’s periodontal work coordinates directly with the restorative and cosmetic treatment Dr. Saad provides, so all of your care happens in one practice with a shared treatment plan. The procedures available through Dr. Bakian’s monthly visits include gum grafting, gum lifts, implant placement, sinus lifts, and extractions — a level of in-house periodontal care that most general dental practices cannot offer.
Our patients often come to us with questions about what gum grafting involves, how it feels, and what to expect. Here are some of the most common questions we hear.
Give us a call to speak with one of our friendly team members, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Saad.
Gum recession is a condition that worsens without intervention, and the window for the least invasive treatment closes as it progresses. If you have noticed visible root exposure, increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods, teeth that appear longer than they used to, or an uneven gumline, those are signs worth evaluating with a periodontist sooner rather than later. At LALUME, the consultation process is thorough and honest — Dr. Bakian and Dr. Saad will tell you exactly what is happening, what the options are, and what happens if it is left untreated.
If you have been told by your dentist that you may need a gum graft, or if you have noticed recession on your own, schedule a consultation at LALUME Dental Studio. Contact our office to get started.
Receive high-quality, personalized treatment recommendations from Dr. Saad and get answers to all your smile questions from the comfort of your own home.
Ample secure and safe paid parking located on-site.
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