PERIODONTOLOGY
Gingival graft
Gingival graft treats gingival recessions — receding gums, exposed roots, dental sensitivity — and restores lasting protection around teeth and implants.
Schedule an initial consultation →Key points
Gingival graft corrects gingival recessions — areas where the gum has receded, exposing the root of the tooth.
At the 47VH practice in Nice, we perform these procedures using minimally invasive microsurgical techniques, with predictable aesthetic results and limited post-operative recovery.
What is a gingival recession?
A gingival recession is a localized retraction of the gingival tissue covering the roots of the teeth. The gum recedes, progressively exposing the root surface.
What causes gingival recession?
Gingival recessions are multifactorial. Several factors can contribute to their occurrence:
Predisposing factors:
- Thin gingiva
- Low height of keratinized tissue
- Dental malposition
- Proximity of labial frenula
Triggering factors:
- Gingival inflammation
- Overzealous brushing
- Certain orthodontic movements
- Lip or tongue piercing
- Improper dental care
- Nail biting (onychophagia)
- Eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia)
What are the consequences of a gingival recession?
- Loss of protection. The gum acts as a protective barrier for the underlying bone. When it recedes, the tooth’s support is reduced and the risk of periodontitis increases.
- Tooth sensitivity. Exposed roots react to cold, heat, and sugary foods.
- Root surface erosion. Without gingival protection, the root surface is exposed to bacterial, chemical, and mechanical aggressions that may progressively lead to erosion.
- Apparent tooth elongation. The root becomes visible and the teeth appear longer. The tooth length has not changed — it is the position of the gum that has changed.
What are the treatments for a gingival recession?
The treatment is mainly surgical. We add a connective tissue graft to increase gingival thickness, then reposition the tissues to cover the recession.
The microsurgical techniques we use are minimally invasive and produce aesthetic, reliable, and reproducible results. Post-operative recovery is generally limited to mild discomfort.
What grafting techniques are commonly used?
Free gingival graft
Historical reference technique: we take a graft from the palate and place it directly on the area to be treated. This approach is reliable for increasing gingival volume, but has several drawbacks: the harvesting site heals by secondary intention, resulting in more noticeable post-operative effects. The aesthetic result is often less satisfying, with a whitish-looking grafted gum.
Tunnel connective tissue graft
Most advanced technique we use at the clinic. We harvest only the inner layer of palatal tissue through a single incision, leaving the palate almost intact. Using micro-instruments, we create a tunnel under the gum and slide the graft into position.
This technique offers several advantages:
- Protected harvesting site with minimal post-operative effects
- Graft covered by existing gum — immediate aesthetic result
- High coverage rate: approximately 80% on average, with 50% of patients
- achieving complete coverage
- No visible scar
Clinical case
Connective tissue graft by tunnel technique
Can biomaterials replace graft harvesting?
Collagen-based substitutes can be used to avoid harvesting from the palate.
However, outcomes are generally less predictable than with an autogenous graft. Thanks to advances in harvesting techniques and the minimal post-operative morbidity, we generally prefer autogenous grafting whenever possible.
Les résultats sont cependant inférieurs à ceux d’une greffe autogène. Grâce aux progrès des techniques de prélèvement et à la faiblesse des suites post-opératoires, nous préférons généralement le prélèvement autogène lorsque cela est possible.
Pain and post-operative recovery
We perform gingival graft surgery under local anesthesia — you feel no pain during the procedure.
Post-operative recovery depends on the technique used. With the tunnel connective tissue graft, which we prefer at our practice, the harvesting site is protected and recovery is limited to mild discomfort for 5 to 7 days. The free gingival graft leads to slightly more noticeable post-operative effects, as the palate heals by secondary intention.
We systematically provide written post-operative instructions detailing hygiene recommendations, the appropriate medication prescription, and temporary dietary advice. In most cases, patients are able to resume their activities the following day.
Cost of a gingival graft in Nice
The cost of a gum graft depends on the number of teeth treated, the technique used, and the extent of the recession.
Gum grafting is not covered by social security. Some private insurance plans may cover part of the cost depending on the terms of your policy.
We provide a detailed and personalized estimate at the end of the consultation, after a complete clinical assessment. We also offer interest-free installment payment options to facilitate access to treatment.
Clinical case
Connective tissue graft by tunnel technique
Clinical case
Connective tissue graft by tunnel technique
Clinical case
Palatal harvesting grafts
Clinical case
Connective tissue graft by tunnel technique
Clinical case
Connective tissue graft by tunnel technique
Clinical case
Connective tissue graft by tunnel technique
Clinical case
Connective tissue graft by tunnel technique
Clinical case
Connective tissue graft by tunnel technique
Bibliographic References
- Cortellini P., Bissada N.F. — Mucogingival conditions in the natural dentition: narrative review, case definitions, and diagnostic considerations. J Periodontol, 2018. PubMed PMID 29926948
- Cairo F. et al. — Periodontal plastic surgery of gingival recessions at single and multiple teeth. Periodontol 2000, 2017. PubMed PMID 28758301
- Chambrone L. et al. — Efficacy of biologics in root coverage and gingival augmentation therapy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Periodontol, 2022. PubMed PMID 36279123
- Carbone A.C. et al. — Long-term stability of gingival margin and periodontal soft-tissue phenotype achieved after mucogingival therapy: a systematic review. J Clin Periodontol, 2024. PubMed PMID 37963451
- Tonoyan L., Mounier C., Fassy J., Leymarie S., Mouraret S., Monneyron P., Vincent-Bugnas S., Mari B., Doglio A. — Unveiling the etiopathogenic role of Epstein-Barr virus in periodontitis. J Dent Res, 2025. PubMed PMID 39876607
FAQ
Is gum grafting painful?
The intervention is performed under local anesthesia — you will feel no pain during the procedure.
After the intervention, post-operative effects are generally limited to moderate discomfort for 5 to 7 days. With the microsurgical techniques we use — particularly the tunnel connective tissue graft — the donor site is protected, which significantly reduces post-operative discomfort compared to older techniques.
How long does healing take?
Visible healing is generally complete within 2 to 3 weeks.
Complete integration of the graft into the surrounding tissues takes approximately 2 to 3 months. The final aesthetic outcome can be assessed from 3 months after the procedure.
Can gingival recessions recur after grafting?
The risk of recurrence exists if the triggering factors are not corrected.
Excessively aggressive brushing, persistent inflammation, or certain orthodontic movements can compromise the result. This is why we systematically combine grafting procedures with risk factor control and regular periodontal maintenance follow-up.
Can a graft be performed on several teeth at the same time?
Yes — we usually treat several recessions in a single procedure.
This approach reduces the number of surgical sessions and optimises overall healing. The number of teeth treated at the same time depends on the extent of the recessions and your clinical situation.
Is it necessary to treat periodontitis before gum grafting?
Yes — grafting can only be performed once inflammation is under control.
Active periodontitis compromises healing and reduces the success rate of the graft. We therefore always prioritise periodontal treatment before considering any mucogingival surgery.
Is gum grafting reimbursed?
Gum grafting is not covered by the National Health Insurance system.
Some private insurance plans may cover part of the cost depending on the terms of your policy. We provide a detailed estimate during the consultation.
Can a graft be performed around an implant?
Yes — we regularly perform gum grafting procedures around dental implants.
A lack of keratinised tissue around an implant can weaken peri-implant tissues and increase the risk of peri-implantitis. The graft helps reinforce this tissue and improves the long-term biological stability of the implant.