Free Gingival Graft

Thicken healthy gum tissue, prevent recession, and protect your teeth long-term.
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What is a free gingival graft?

Free gingival graft is a type of soft tissue graft where a small layer of tissue is removed directly from the roof of your mouth and relocated to the site of gum recession. It is sutured into place and will serve to protect the exposed root as living gum tissue and prevent further gum loss.

Unlike a connective tissue graft that is taken from beneath the surface, a free gingival graft uses tissue taken directly from the palate. This makes it especially beneficial to replace healthy attached tissue around teeth that have lost attachment due to aggressive tooth brushing, orthodontic treatments, or thin gum biotype.

Our board-certified periodontist will determine which procedure is most beneficial for your case and discuss the best option to treat recession around teeth and implants. There are different types of grafts — free gingival graft, connective tissue graft, lateral pedicles — each indicated for different situations of gum loss.

Signs you may need treatment

Thin Or Insufficient Gum Tissue

Progressive Gum Recession

No Attached Tissue Around Tooth

Post-Orthodontic Recession Risk

What to expect

1

Diagnose

We measure attached tissue width and recession to confirm if free gingival graft is needed to thicken gums.

2

Treat

We take a small piece of tissue directly from roof of mouth and secure it over recession site to build attached tissue.

3

Restore

Tissue heals in 1-2 weeks, thickens your gums, stops further recession, and protects roots long-term.

Common questions

What is the difference between free gingival and connective tissue graft?
Free gingival graft mainly thickens thin gums and builds attached tissue to prevent recession, while connective tissue graft covers exposed roots for aesthetics.
Local anesthesia makes it painless. Palate donor site feels like pizza burn — 3-4 out of 10 for 2-3 days.
60 minutes per area. Initial healing 1-2 weeks, full thickening and maturation in 4-6 weeks.
When you have lost attached tissue from brushing trauma, orthodontics, or naturally thin gums and need to prevent future recession.
This procedure is designed to prevent further loss. Our specialist will evaluate if additional grafting is needed around implants or other teeth.