Gingivitis is a common disease caused by bacterial buildup along the gumline. If left untreated, it can create large, unsightly pockets in the gums and lead to recession, exposing an abnormally large amount of your tooth structure.

To restore the gums to their natural, healthy state, dentists perform a procedure called gum grafting, which repairs the gums using soft tissue from the roof of the mouth. The graft covers the exposed tooth and root surfaces and encourages new tissue growth that will enable the gums to return to their original position around the teeth. Though the procedure sounds complex, it is actually routine. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and heal quickly, with few side effects or complications.