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+ Treatment

Gum graft

When might a gum graft be recommended? A graft may be used when the gum recedes around a natural tooth, leaving the root exposed and sometimes sensitive.

It can also be part of treatment with dental implants. On the front teeth, it can help improve the gum contour and blend the new tooth into your smile. The team assesses the tissues and explains whether a graft is suitable, what its aim is and what result can be expected in your case.

First assessment
Photos and any scans or X-rays you already have
Aim
To treat the area where the gum has receded
Implants
Not needed for a gum graft
Plan
Defined after assessment
+ Who it is for

In which situations can it help?

Around natural teeth, when:

The gum has receded and left part of the root exposed.

There is sensitivity to cold or discomfort when brushing.

The gum is thin and needs to be strengthened.

The recession changes the contour of your smile.

Around implants, it may be recommended to:

Increase or strengthen the gum when the tissues are thin or insufficient.

Make cleaning easier and help keep the tissues around the implant healthy.

Improve the gum contour, especially when the implant replaces a front tooth.

The team assesses the health of your teeth or implants, the amount of gum and the aim of the treatment. Where there is inflammation or another problem, they explain what needs to be treated first.

+ The treatment

What is a gum graft?

It is a surgical procedure in which tissue is added to the area that needs more gum. The tissue used and how it is placed depend on the area to be treated. Before surgery, the team explains the proposed technique, where the tissue will come from and what the aim is in your case.

Around a natural tooth

It can help strengthen the gum, protect an exposed root and improve the contour of that area.

Around an implant

It can be used to strengthen the tissues and make cleaning easier. When the implant replaces a front tooth, the graft can also help create a more natural gum contour.

+ Expected result

Will the gum cover the whole root again?

It depends on the case.

On some natural teeth

It is possible to cover the exposed root.

On others

The main aim is to strengthen the gum and protect the area.

Around an implant

The aim is different: to improve the condition of the tissues and, where indicated, the gum contour.

After the assessment, we explain what result can be expected in your case.

+ Steps

How the treatment works

01

First assessment

Send photos of the area that concerns you and any scans or X-rays you already have. The team carries out a first remote assessment and tells you whether any further information is needed.

02

Plan and quote

We explain the proposed treatment and give you a quote before you book your trip. The in-person appointment allows us to confirm the condition of the gum and the details of the surgery.

03

Appointment in Porto

We assess your teeth, gums and the area to be treated. We talk with you about what is bothering you, confirm the plan and explain the care needed before and after surgery.

04

Gum graft

The surgery is carried out under local anaesthetic. The team places the tissue in the area to be treated and explains the care needed to protect it while it heals.

05

Healing and check-up

In the first few days, the area may be sensitive or swollen. We tell you how to care for your mouth, what to avoid and when your check-up will take place.

06

After you return home

We remain available to support you and answer your questions.

+ Frequently asked questions

About gum grafts

See all frequently asked questions.

Do I need implants to have a gum graft? +
No. A graft can treat the gum around a natural tooth, for example when the root has become exposed. It may also be recommended around an implant, to strengthen the tissues, make cleaning easier or improve the gum contour, especially on the front teeth.
Why has my gum receded? +
Recession can have several causes, including gum problems or the way you brush your teeth. The team assesses your teeth, gums and habits to understand what is happening and plan the treatment. If the change is around an implant, that area also needs its own assessment.
Is a graft the only solution? +
It depends on the problem and the aim. An exposed root, thin gum and a change in the tissues around an implant are different situations. The team explains the options and tells you whether any inflammation or other condition needs to be treated first.
Does the surgery hurt? +
The surgery is carried out under local anaesthetic so that the area is numb. During the procedure, you may feel pressure or movement. In the following days, there may be sensitivity, discomfort or swelling, especially if the tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth. You receive instructions and medication suited to your case.
How long does healing take? +
Healing begins in the first few days, but the gum continues to change in appearance and settle over the following weeks. The time depends on the technique, the size of the graft and the area treated. The team explains the care to follow and when your check-up will take place.
Do I need an X-ray to request a first assessment? +
Start by sending photos of the area that concerns you and any scans or X-rays you already have. If an additional examination is needed, we will tell you which one. The in-person assessment confirms the most suitable treatment.

Find out what can be done for your gums

Send photos of the area where the gum has receded and tell us what you are experiencing or would like to improve. The team carries out a first assessment, explains the options and presents a plan and quote before you book your trip.

First assessment free of charge and with no obligation
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