Gum Grafting
Your gums protect more than you think. When they recede, we can rebuild them.
Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure that restores gum tissue lost to recession, covering exposed tooth roots and preventing further bone loss.
At Pitt Street Dental Centre, gum grafting is led by celebrity dentist Dr Michael Cai, BDSc (Hons) WA MRACDS (GDP), with over 7,000 implants and 35,000 crowns placed across his career.
Treatment typically involves a single appointment of 60 to 90 minutes, with full healing over four to six weeks.
You have probably noticed it slowly. A tooth that looks a little longer than it used to. A twinge of sensitivity when you sip cold water or bite into something sweet. Maybe you have started avoiding ice in your drinks altogether.
Gum recession is one of those things that creeps up quietly. By the time you notice, the gum tissue has already pulled away from the tooth, leaving the root exposed and unprotected. The good news is that it does not have to keep going.
Gum grafting replaces what has been lost, and here at Pitt Street Dental Centre, we approach it with the same precision and comfort we bring to every treatment.
What Is Gum Grafting and How Does It Work?
Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that takes healthy tissue, usually from the roof of your mouth or a donor source, and attaches it to areas where your gums have receded. The goal is straightforward: cover exposed roots, restore the natural gumline, and stop the recession from progressing.
There are three main types of gum graft, and which one we recommend depends on the extent of your recession and the condition of the surrounding tissue.
Connective tissue graft is the most common. We take a small section of tissue from just beneath the surface of the palate and secure it over the exposed root. This approach is well suited to single or multiple teeth and produces a natural-looking result.
Free gingival graft takes tissue directly from the surface of the palate. We typically recommend this when the existing gum tissue is thin and needs reinforcing, rather than when root coverage is the primary concern.
Pedicle graft uses tissue from the gum immediately next to the affected tooth. We rotate a flap of nearby gum over the recession site. This option works best when there is plenty of healthy tissue adjacent to the area that needs repair.
According to the Australian Dental Association, gum disease and recession affect a significant proportion of Australian adults, making early intervention and treatment an important part of long-term oral health.
How Do I Know If I Need Gum Grafting?
If any of these sound familiar, it is worth having a conversation with us:
“Your teeth look longer than they used to, and the change is becoming more noticeable over time”
“You feel a sharp sting of sensitivity when drinking cold water, eating ice cream, or brushing near the gumline”
“Your dentist has pointed out exposed root surfaces during a check-up”
“You can see or feel a notch where the gum has pulled away from the tooth”
“Recession is getting worse despite improving your brushing technique”
“You are concerned about the long-term health of your teeth and want to prevent bone loss before it starts”
What Does the Gum Grafting Process Look Like?
01
Consultation and Assessment (45 minutes)
We begin with a thorough assessment of your gums, including digital 3D X-rays and intraoral camera imaging so you can see exactly what we see. Dr Michael Cai will walk you through the extent of the recession, explain which type of graft is best suited to your situation, and outline your treatment plan and costs before anything begins.
02
Preparing for Your Procedure
If you feel anxious about the procedure, we will discuss sedation options with you, from happy gas through to twilight sedation. We want you to feel genuinely comfortable, and here at Pitt Street Dental Centre our day spa environment, dimmed lighting, noise-cancelling headsets, and Netflix on ceiling-mounted screens are all designed to help with that.
03
The Graft Procedure (60 to 90 minutes)
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic. We then carefully harvest the donor tissue and secure it over the recession site using fine sutures. The procedure is precise but straightforward, and most patients tell us it is far more comfortable than they expected.
04
Immediate Aftercare
Before you leave, we will give you a clear set of recovery instructions covering what to eat, how to clean around the site, and what to watch for. We also schedule your follow-up appointment so we can check the graft is healing as expected.
05
Healing and Review (2 to 6 weeks)
Initial healing takes about two weeks. The graft integrates with your existing tissue over four to six weeks, and the final result continues to improve over several months as blood supply to the area matures. We will see you for a follow-up to make sure everything is settling in well.
Gum Grafting vs Other Recession Treatments: Which Is Right for You?
Treatment
Connective Tissue Graft ✓Most common
Free Gingival Graft
Pedicle Graft
Pinhole Surgical Technique
How it works
How it worksTissue from beneath the palate is placed over exposed roots
How it worksSurface tissue from the palate is placed at the gumline
How it worksAdjacent gum tissue is rotated over the recession
How it worksGums are repositioned through a small pinhole without grafting
Duration
Duration60-90 minutes
Duration45-60 minutes
Duration45-60 minutes
Duration30-60 minutes
Recovery
Recovery2-4 weeks
Recovery2-3 weeks
Recovery2-3 weeks
Recovery1-2 weeks
Best for
Best forRoot coverage for single or multiple teeth; most common approach
Best forThin gums that need thickening; less recession coverage
Best forLocalised recession with plenty of healthy surrounding tissue
Best forMild to moderate recession across multiple teeth
Contact us for a personalised consultation to determine which option is right for your unique situation.
What Are the Risks of Gum Grafting? What Is Recovery Like?
Possible risks:
- Mild to moderate discomfort at both the graft site and the donor site (palate) for the first few days, manageable with prescribed pain relief
- Swelling and bruising around the treatment area, which typically subsides within a week
- In uncommon cases, the graft may not fully integrate and a second procedure may be needed
- Minor bleeding from the donor site in the first 24 to 48 hours
- Temporary sensitivity in the treated area as healing progresses
- In a small number of cases, infection at the surgical site, which is managed with antibiotics if it occurs
Recovery considerations:
- Most patients take one to two days off work following the procedure
- Soft foods are recommended for the first week to avoid disturbing the graft
- Avoid brushing or flossing directly at the graft site for the first two weeks; we will provide a chlorhexidine rinse to keep the area clean
- Swelling typically peaks at 48 hours and resolves within five to seven days
- Initial healing occurs within two to three weeks; full tissue maturation takes three to six months
- We schedule a follow-up within the first two weeks to check graft integration and remove sutures if needed
Transparent pricing, no surprises
We believe in honest, upfront pricing. Download our price guide to see our full fee schedule, including payment plan options.
Download Price ListThe Questions We Hear Most
Is gum grafting painful?
The procedure itself is performed under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during treatment. We also offer happy gas and twilight sedation for patients who feel anxious. Afterwards, most patients describe the discomfort as manageable, similar to a mild burn on the roof of the mouth. We prescribe pain relief and provide detailed aftercare instructions to keep you comfortable during recovery.
How long does it take to recover from a gum graft?
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work within one to two days. The graft site heals over two to three weeks, and the tissue continues to mature over three to six months. We will see you for a follow-up within the first fortnight to check that everything is progressing well.
Am I a suitable candidate for gum grafting?
If you have visible gum recession, exposed roots, or increasing tooth sensitivity, gum grafting may be right for you. Patients with active gum disease typically need that addressed first. The best way to find out is to book a consultation, and we will assess your gums and walk you through your options.
How much does gum grafting cost in Sydney CBD?
The cost depends on the type of graft and how many teeth are being treated. We provide a clear, written quote after your initial consultation so there are no surprises. Payment plans are available to help spread the cost. Simply call us or book online to get started.
Will my gums recede again after grafting?
A well-placed gum graft is a long-term solution, and in most cases the results are lasting. The key to maintaining them is good oral hygiene and regular check-ups. We will show you how to brush properly around the grafted area and recommend a soft-bristle toothbrush to protect the new tissue.
Payment Plans
Why Choose Pitt Street Dental Centre for Gum Grafting?
A day spa environment, not a dental surgery
Here at Pitt Street Dental Centre, we have designed every detail around your comfort. Dimmed lighting, aromatherapy, a complimentary beverage menu, Netflix on ceiling-mounted screens, and noise-cancelling headsets. Periodontal procedures like gum grafting feel very different in an environment built to put you at ease.
Precision diagnostics from the start
We use digital 3D X-rays and intraoral cameras to assess your recession accurately before recommending any treatment. You see what we see, and nothing starts until you have a clear treatment plan and written quote.
Sedation options for every comfort level
We offer all three levels of sedation: happy gas, twilight sedation, and hospital-based general anaesthetic. Whether you need a gentle edge taken off or prefer to sleep through the entire procedure, we have you covered.
A team that listens first
Dr Michael Cai and our team spend time understanding your concerns before recommending a treatment path. We know gum surgery can feel daunting, and we will not rush you into anything.
Sydney CBD convenience
Located in the heart of Sydney CBD, we are easy to reach by train, bus, or on foot. Early and late appointments are available so treatment fits around your schedule, not the other way around.
Author Attribution:
Medically reviewed by Dr Michael Cai, BDSc (Hons) WA MRACDS (GDP) – July 2026
Medical Disclaimer:
The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dental advice. Treatment outcomes vary between individuals. All surgical procedures carry risks. Please consult Dr Michael Cai or one of our qualified dentists at Pitt Street Dental Centre for personalised advice about your dental health.
