Soft Tissue Periodontics
Advanced periodontal care for strong gums and brilliant smiles.
Your gums are an essential part of a healthy smile
A complete set of strong, functional teeth is only one part of a healthy mouth. Problems with your gum health can often fly under the radar for years, only getting the attention they deserve when you experience pain or other issues. It's important to remember that healthy gums are a key part of how your smile looks and how healthy your teeth are.
Untreated gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, and other soft tissue issues like tongue tie can make eating and speaking difficult. The American Dental Health Providers team specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing gum-related issues, helping you enjoy excellent oral health and a beautiful smile.
The American Dental Health Providers team specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing gum-related issues, helping you enjoy excellent oral health and a beautiful smile.
What treating soft tissue problems gives you back
- Restored self-confidence
- Reduced risk of cavities and disease
- Better smile esthetics
- Minimized gum recession
- Fresher breath
- Improved chewing and swallowing
- Better enunciation and speech
Already have implants? Gum inflammation around an implant is called peri-implantitis and needs different treatment. See LAPIP failing implant treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Why does gum health matter so much?
Untreated gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, and healthy gums are a key part of how your smile looks and how healthy your teeth are.
How would I know if I have a problem?
Often you wouldn't, at first. Problems with your gum health can fly under the radar for years, only getting attention when you experience pain. That is exactly why routine examination matters.
Do you treat tongue tie?
Yes. Soft tissue issues like tongue tie can make eating and speaking difficult, and our team diagnoses and treats gum and soft tissue conditions.
Healthy gums come first
Book a periodontal assessment before small problems become tooth loss.
How gum grafting for soft tissue recession protects the teeth it surrounds
Gum recession happens when the soft tissue that frames a tooth pulls back, exposing root surface that was never meant to sit in the open mouth. Soft tissue grafting is the periodontal approach used to rebuild that missing band of gum, and understanding what it addresses helps patients weigh their options with the clinical team.
Recession rarely announces itself all at once. Many patients first notice a tooth that looks longer than its neighbors, a notch near the gumline, or sensitivity when cold air or cold water reaches the root. Because root surface lacks the hard enamel coating of the crown, it is more vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and continued tissue loss. Left unaddressed, thin or absent gum tissue can keep receding, which is why providers evaluate the pattern early rather than waiting for symptoms to intensify.
Grafting for soft tissue recession works by restoring the protective margin of gum around affected teeth. Depending on the site and the amount of tissue needed, a graft may use tissue from the patient's own palate or a processed donor material. The goal is to cover exposed root where appropriate, thicken the remaining tissue, and create a stable border that resists further recession. The clinical team selects the technique based on how many teeth are involved, root coverage goals, and the thickness of the existing tissue.
What patients can expect around a soft tissue graft appointment
Most soft tissue grafting is done under local anesthesia in a single visit per treated area. Patients are typically asked to plan for a few days of modified eating, favoring soft, cool foods while the site settles. Providers usually advise against brushing directly over the graft during early healing and may recommend a gentle rinse instead. Some swelling or tenderness is common in the first week; the surgical team reviews specific aftercare, including how to protect the donor site if one is used.
Not every area of recession requires grafting. In milder cases, providers may first address the underlying cause, such as aggressive brushing technique, clenching forces, or the position of a tooth in the arch. When recession is progressing, when sensitivity interferes with daily comfort, or when so little tissue remains that the tooth is hard to clean safely, grafting becomes a more active consideration. The decision rests on the individual pattern of tissue loss rather than a single measurement.
Patients who respond well typically see a more stable gumline, reduced root sensitivity over time, and tissue that is easier to keep clean. Outcomes vary with the starting condition of the tissue and with how consistently the site is cared for during healing. A periodontal evaluation is the practical next step for anyone tracking recession or noticing exposed root surface.
This page is informational and is not medical advice. Treatment options should always be made in consultation with a qualified physician or dental provider.