Receding gums can lead to serious oral health issues, but Dr. Suzanne Caudry offers soft tissue grafting to help you reverse the damage and restore your smile. Accessible from Mississauga, our clinic provides precision gum grafting treatments performed by Dr. Suzanne Caudry, a leader in advanced periodontal care. Whether you're experiencing gum sensitivity, tooth root exposure, or aesthetic concerns, our team delivers customized, results-driven solutions in a modern clinical setting.

Call (416) 928-3444 today to schedule your oral consultation.

What Is Soft Tissue Grafting?

Soft tissue grafting is a procedure used to restore lost or thinning gum tissue, often caused by gum disease, aggressive brushing, or genetics. By adding donor tissue, typically from your palate, we can rebuild your gum line, protect exposed roots, and reduce further recession. This treatment improves oral function and creates a more balanced, natural-looking smile.

Why Would You Need a Gum Graft?

You may not always feel the effects of gum recession, but it can seriously impact your dental health if left untreated.

Gum grafting is often recommended to:

• Prevent further gum recession and bone loss
• Protect sensitive tooth roots from decay
• Improve comfort when eating or brushing
• Enhance the appearance of an uneven gum line

If you've noticed increased tooth sensitivity, longer-looking teeth, or a receding gum line, soft tissue grafting might be the right solution.

Will Receding Gums Grow Back?

Many people assume that their receding gums will grow back once oral hygiene improves. That’s a common misconception. Even with diligent care, lost gum tissue doesn’t regenerate on its own.

The gum margin is made of specialized soft tissue that, once diminished, lacks the cellular structure to naturally rebuild itself. Unlike skin or bone, it doesn’t contain regenerative stem cells capable of producing new tissue. The best the body can do is maintain what remains.

That is precisely why soft tissue grafting is used for patients with advanced gum loss. When the procedure is complete and healing has taken place, the grafted tissue becomes part of the natural gumline, providing renewed protection for exposed roots.

How Does a Connective Tissue Graft Cover Exposed Root Surfaces?

A key aim of a connective tissue graft is to cover areas where the gum has pulled away, leaving root surfaces exposed. These vulnerable sections not only compromise the tooth’s support but also often worsen if left untreated. The graft helps halt this progression while, in many cases, restoring coverage over the affected area.

To achieve this, a thin layer of connective tissue is carefully placed beneath the existing gum and secured in position. This added tissue merges with the natural gum, thickening the margin and extending it downward. As healing takes place, the graft integrates, forming a new boundary that gently re-shields the once-exposed root.

Why Choose Dr. Suzanne Caudry for Soft Tissue Grafting?

Dr. Suzanne Caudry offers extensive clinical experience supported by years of education. Her practice delivers specialized periodontal care, including soft tissue grafting, through a patient-centered, evidence-based approach.

Our reputation is built on:

• Evidence-based treatment planning
• Exceptional surgical outcomes
• Compassionate, personalized care
• Clear communication and education

What Can You Expect During Soft Tissue Grafting Treatment?

At Dr. Suzanne Caudry's office, we focus on precise, minimally invasive care designed to support your comfort and long-term results. Soft tissue grafting involves transferring healthy tissue from the roof of the mouth to areas affected by gum recession, helping restore coverage and stability. The entire procedure usually takes around half an hour.

We’ll walk you through every detail during your oral consultation, including what to expect before and after the procedure, and provide tailored pre-care and aftercare recommendations to support healing.

Will You Experience Pain During Connective Tissue Graft Surgery?

Connective tissue graft surgery is carefully planned from your initial consultation through to your final follow-up. Pain during the procedure is a common concern, and it’s something we take the time to address fully before surgery begins.

During the procedure itself, you won’t feel any pain. A local anesthetic is used to completely numb the area, and for those who need deeper relaxation, sedation can be arranged. You’ll be calm and unaware while we work, and the graft will be placed with the least possible disruption to the surrounding tissue.

The real sensation begins once the anesthetic wears off. You’ll be prescribed appropriate pain medication, but many patients find that a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is enough to stay comfortable.

Is Gum Recession Unavoidable?

Gum recession has a few different causes, and in many cases, it results from a combination of factors. Some are lifestyle-based or behavioral, while others are genetic. Typically, during your regular dental visits, you'll be able to identify early signs of recession and discuss any contributing factors before surgery is recommended.

An example of an avoidable cause is aggressive tooth brushing. When too much force is applied with a hard-bristled brush or poor technique, the gum tissue can begin to fray and retreat. It may start as local irritation, but then progress into permanent damage.

Causes that are more difficult to manage include chronic inflammation from untreated gum disease. As plaque builds up and hardens into tartar, the surrounding tissues respond by pulling back. This inflammatory process weakens the very structure meant to protect them. In turn, this leads to deep pockets, bone loss, and continued tissue breakdown.

What Happens After Gum Grafting Treatment?

After your treatment, you will have two follow-up appointments. The first is a week after to remove the dressings. After the dressings are removed, it’s important to avoid brushing the area. We recommend using a Q-tip to clean the site. The second follow-up is 3-4 weeks after to review healing and check oral hygiene. Basic healing is usually done within 6 weeks, and complete healing typically takes around a year.

It’s normal to experience some discomfort and swelling after the procedure. We prescribe medication to manage the pain, and ice packs (or frozen vegetables) can decrease swelling. Bleeding is also common and not a cause for concern. To manage bleeding, rinse your mouth with cold water and then gently press on the site with moistened gauze or a moistened tea bag.

Book Your Soft Tissue Graft Consultation Today

If you’ve noticed signs of gum recession or have been referred for a soft tissue graft, a consultation with Dr. Suzanne Caudry is the next step. Conveniently accessible from Mississauga, our clinic welcomes patients seeking expert care in a professional, supportive environment. Let’s talk about what’s happening with your gums and explore your options together.

Looking for soft tissue grafting accessible from Mississauga? Contact us at (416) 928-3444.