Gum Graft Surgery in Chestnut Hill, MA
If your gums are receding, a gum graft can restore your gumline, protect exposed tooth roots, and give you back a healthy, confident smile. At Hammond Pond Dental Group, our experienced in-house periodontist performs gum graft surgery using modern techniques designed to deliver comfortable procedures and lasting results.
Serving Chestnut Hill, Newton, Brookline, and the Greater Boston area, we’re here to help you stop gum recession before it leads to more serious problems. Call (617) 762-5811 to schedule your consultation.
What Is a Gum Graft?
A gum graft — also called gingival grafting or gum grafting surgery — is a periodontal procedure that restores gum tissue to areas where it has receded, thinned, or worn away. During the procedure, a small amount of healthy tissue is placed over the affected area to cover exposed tooth roots and rebuild your gumline.
Gum grafts are one of the most effective treatments for gum recession, which affects nearly half of adults over 30 — and the numbers climb with age.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Healthy gums fit snugly around each tooth, protecting the root and supporting your bite. When they pull back or wear away, several factors may be to blame:
- Aggressive brushing — Using a hard-bristled brush or brushing too vigorously can wear down gum tissue over time.
- Gum disease — Periodontitis destroys the supporting tissue and bone around teeth.
- Genetics — Some people are simply predisposed to thin gum tissue.
- Misaligned bite or teeth grinding — Extra pressure on certain teeth accelerates recession.
- Tobacco use — Smoking and chewing tobacco damage gum tissue and slow healing.
- Poorly fitting partial dentures — These can irritate and push back gum tissue.
- Aging — Cumulative wear over decades is a natural factor.
Signs You May Need a Gum Graft
Gum recession often progresses slowly, so it’s easy to miss until it becomes severe. Common signs include:
- Teeth that look longer than they used to
- Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- A visible “notch” or line where the root meets the enamel
- Gumline that looks uneven across your smile
- Exposed tooth roots that appear yellow or darker than the rest of the tooth
- Discomfort or pain near the gumline when brushing
- Increased risk of cavities at the root surface
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, a consultation at Hammond Pond Dental Group can tell you whether a gum graft is right for you.
Benefits of Gum Graft Surgery
A gum graft does much more than improve your smile’s appearance. Benefits include:
- Stops further recession and prevents future damage
- Protects tooth roots from decay and wear
- Reduces sensitivity to hot and cold
- Prevents bone loss around affected teeth
- Saves teeth that would otherwise be at risk
- Improves smile aesthetics with a more even, youthful gumline
- Long-lasting results with proper oral care
The Gum Graft Procedure: What to Expect
Here’s what a typical gum graft appointment looks like at Hammond Pond Dental Group:
- Consultation — Our periodontist evaluates your gum recession and explains your treatment options.
- Numbing — The treatment area is fully numbed with local anesthesia.
- The procedure — Your periodontist carefully places the graft tissue over the recession site and secures it with fine sutures.
- Protecting the area — A surgical dressing may be placed to protect healing tissue.
- Going home — You’ll leave the same day with detailed aftercare instructions.
The full procedure usually takes 60 to 90 minutes.
Recovery Timeline After a Gum Graft
- Days 1–3: Mild swelling and soreness; manage with ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers. Stick to soft, cool foods.
- Days 4–7: Most discomfort subsides. Continue a soft-food diet and avoid brushing the grafted area.
- Weeks 2–3: Sutures dissolve or are removed. Tissue begins integrating with existing gum.
- Weeks 4–6: Full healing typically complete. You’ll see your new, restored gumline.
- Long term: With good oral hygiene, the results can last for decades.
Why Choose Hammond Pond Dental Group for Periodontal Care?
- Board-certified periodontists on staff
- In-house periodontist — Dr. Jennifer Chang Sullivan is our specialist dedicated to advanced gum care.
- Multi-specialty collaboration — Seamless coordination with general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and endodontics.
- Patient-first philosophy — Clear communication, gentle techniques, and respect for your time and comfort.
- Chestnut Hill location — Convenient for patients across Greater Boston.
- Advanced laser technology for gentle, precise treatment
- Multi-specialty expertise in implants, surgery, restorative care & prevention
- Convenient, comprehensive care in one Chestnut Hill location
- Warm, compassionate approach to ensure your comfort
- We’ll always do everything we can to see you quickly — especially for painful or urgent gum concerns
Gum Graft FAQ
How long does a gum graft take to heal?
Most patients feel back to normal within 1–2 weeks. Full tissue integration typically takes 4–6 weeks.
Is a gum graft painful?
The procedure itself is painless thanks to local anesthesia. Recovery involves mild soreness that’s easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
How much does a gum graft cost?
Costs vary based on the extent of treatment and how many teeth are involved. Most dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of medically necessary gum grafts. We’ll verify your coverage and provide a clear estimate before treatment.
Can gums grow back without a graft?
Unfortunately, no. Once gum tissue has receded, it cannot regenerate on its own. A gum graft is the most effective way to restore lost tissue.
How long do gum grafts last?
With proper oral hygiene — gentle brushing, regular flossing, and routine dental visits — gum grafts can last a lifetime.
Will my gums look natural after the procedure?
Yes. Our periodontist uses techniques designed to blend the graft seamlessly with your existing gum tissue for a natural, attractive result.
Schedule Your Gum Graft Consultation
Receding gums won’t heal on their own — but with a gum graft, you can stop the damage and restore your smile’s health and appearance. Don’t wait until sensitivity or tooth loss forces your hand.
Call Hammond Pond Dental Group at (617) 762-5811 today, or book your consultation online. We welcome patients from Chestnut Hill, Newton, Brookline, Brighton, West Roxbury, and throughout the Greater Boston area.
