If gum recession has left your teeth looking different and susceptible to tooth decay, contact Dr. Suzanne Caudry. As a skilled oral surgeon, Dr. Caudry is capable of restoring both your gumline and your confidence. Call us today.

What Are the Benefits of Gum Grafting Beyond Aesthetics?

While many patients pursue gum grafting to improve their smile, the benefits go far beyond appearance.

Soft tissue grafting:

• Shields tooth roots from bacteria and plaque
• Reduces tooth sensitivity caused by root exposure
• Prevents further gum recession
• Supports long-term oral health and implant success

This procedure restores your gumline while protecting your teeth and helps prevent the need for more invasive dental work in the future.

One of Toronto’s Leading Experts on Dental Surgery

Dr. Caudry, PhD, DDS, MSc, is one of the most qualified and highly regarded experts in the field of dental implant surgery and periodontics in Canada. Not only a lifelong learner, Dr. Caudry is also a clinical instructor at the University of Toronto where she teaches implant surgery, cosmetic periodontal surgery, and bone reconstruction.

Rest assured, when you are under our care, you will also receive the most informed and cutting-edge care available. Our patients are treated with kindness, and our soft tissue grafts are performed with precision. If you would like to learn more about gum graft surgery, do not hesitate to contact us. Our front office team will aid you in scheduling your appointment, and they’re happy to answer any questions regarding your dental insurance coverage.

How Do You Know if You Need a Gum Graft?

Visible gum recession isn’t the only sign that you may need treatment.

You might also notice:

• Tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking
• Teeth appearing longer than usual
• A notch near the gumline
• Discoloration around the root of a tooth

These symptoms indicate that the protective gum tissue is wearing away, leaving your teeth vulnerable. Even if the recession seems minor, it can worsen over time without intervention. Scheduling an assessment with Dr. Caudry can help determine whether a graft is right for you.

The Harsh Realities of Receding Gums

When your gums recede, you’re losing more than your usual smile. You’re also losing a valuable defense system against bacteria and oral trauma. As your gumline recedes, your teeth’s roots become more and more exposed. When they’re exposed, they’re extremely susceptible to tooth decay. What’s more, exposed roots are quite sensitive and are often darker than your teeth.

What is responsible for your recessed gums? It isn’t always a lack of brushing and flossing. Sometimes the culprit is improper technique.

Thankfully, we’re only a phone call away. After a thorough consultation, we’ll set out a plan to correct your recessed gums. This low-risk grafting procedure will leave you with a healthy, natural, and protective gumline.

Repair Your Smile with Gingival Grafts

No one should have to feel embarrassed by their own smile. Unfortunately, a receding gum line makes many people self-conscious. They are reluctant to smile or laugh in public because they do not like the look of their ‘toothy’ smile with its elongated-looking teeth and exposed, discolored roots.

Soft tissue grafting isn’t just for people whose gums have become damaged by bacteria. If your teeth and bone are still healthy you can still restore your gumline. Your smile will be restored, and you will also have that extra line of defense against gingivitis.

Is the Soft Tissue Procedure Painful?

Many patients are surprised to learn how comfortable the grafting process can be. Soft tissue grafts are performed under local anesthesia, and sedation options are available for added ease. The procedure itself is relatively quick, and thanks to advanced surgical techniques and Dr. Caudry’s experience, most patients report only mild discomfort afterward.

Post-operative symptoms like swelling or tenderness are typically manageable with over-the-counter medication and a soft food diet. We also provide clear instructions for managing your recovery and minimizing any discomfort.

Can Soft Tissue Grafting Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Yes. In many cases, soft tissue grafting is part of a comprehensive periodontal or implant treatment plan. If you’re undergoing dental implant surgery, for example, grafting may be necessary to ensure a healthy, stable foundation. Dr. Caudry can combine grafting with cosmetic procedures to restore both function and aesthetics in a single treatment cycle for patients who want to achieve this goal.

Combining procedures can improve outcomes, reduce the number of appointments needed, and streamline your recovery. We’ll let you know if this is a suitable option during your consultation.

How Should You Prepare for a Soft Tissue Graft?

Preparing for your gum graft in advance helps ensure a smoother procedure and a faster recovery. Before your appointment, we’ll provide personalized instructions based on your health and the specific type of graft you’re receiving.

In general, here’s how you can get ready:

• Review your medications: Let us know about any prescriptions or supplements you take. Some medications, like blood thinners, may need to be paused before surgery.
• Stock your kitchen: Soft foods are essential in the days following your graft. Consider having items like smoothies, applesauce, eggs, and soup on hand.
• Arrange transportation: If you’ll be receiving sedation, make sure you have someone to drive you home.
• Follow all pre-operative instructions: We may ask you to rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash or fast before your procedure.

We’ll walk you through the full process and address any concerns beforehand. Proper preparation gives you peace of mind and sets the stage for a successful outcome.

How Much Does a Gum Graft Cost?

If your primary concern is cost, feel free to contact us. You don’t even need a referral to request a consultation with us. The cost of treatment for receding gums and root exposure varies from patient to patient, so it is necessary for us to first take a look at your gums before we provide you with an estimate. However, we always work with the suggested fees from the Ontario Dental Association.

Aftercare and Post-Operative Treatment for Your Gum Graft

Once your tissue graft has been completed, we will provide you with all the information you need to properly care for your gums. Proper after-care is important. We will answer any question you might have.

Don’t Let Root Exposure Ruin Your Health

To request our services, contact us at (416) 928-3444 today.

Looking for soft tissue grafting in Toronto? Contact us at (416) 928-3444.