Soft Tissue Grafting
Surgical treatment to rebuild or improve soft tissue around dental implants, extraction sites, and other areas where additional tissue may be needed.
When might soft tissue grafting be part of surgical treatment?
Healthy soft tissue helps protect surgical sites and supports the health and appearance of dental implants. In some situations, additional tissue may be recommended before, during, or after implant or reconstructive treatment.
Soft tissue grafting may be used to increase the amount or thickness of tissue around an implant to protect its long-term health.
Loss of a tooth can change the shape of the gum and underlying tissues. Soft tissue grafting may sometimes be used as part of rebuilding the area.
Healthy soft tissue can be important when rebuilding bone. In selected cases, soft tissue procedures may be combined with or staged around bone grafting.
Additional soft tissue may be helpful when previous surgery, tissue loss, or individual anatomy makes reconstruction more challenging.
Planning soft tissue grafting as part of your care.
Your consultation allows us to evaluate the soft tissue and surrounding anatomy, understand your surgical and restorative treatment plan, and determine whether soft tissue grafting may be beneficial.
Review your health
We review your medical history, medications, oral health, and other factors that may affect surgery or healing.
Evaluate the tissue
Dr. Siew evaluates the soft tissue, nearby teeth or implants, and the anatomy of the area being considered for grafting.
Consider the overall treatment plan
We consider how soft tissue grafting fits with implant placement, bone grafting, restorative treatment, or other planned care.
Discuss your options
We review the grafting approach, timing, anesthesia options, expected recovery, alternatives, and important risks.
Anesthesia options for your comfort and safety.
The appropriate option depends on your procedure, health history, preferences, and other clinical considerations.
Local anesthesia
Local anesthetic numbs the surgical area while you remain awake during the procedure.
IV sedation
IV sedation can help reduce anxiety and awareness and improve comfort during your procedure. The appropriate level of sedation is individualized for each patient.
General anesthesia
General anesthesia may be considered for selected patients and procedures when clinically appropriate.
Where does the graft tissue come from?
Soft tissue grafting can be performed using tissue from your own mouth or, in selected situations, a donor-derived graft material. The choice depends on the area being treated, the amount and type of tissue needed, and the goals of surgery.
We will discuss the recommended material with you as part of your treatment plan.
Tissue can be taken from another area of your mouth, most commonly the roof of the mouth, and transferred to the area that needs additional soft tissue.
In selected cases, a processed donor-derived soft tissue graft may be used instead of taking tissue from another area of your mouth.
The recommended material depends on your anatomy, the surgical site, the amount of tissue needed, and the goals of treatment.
What to expect after soft tissue grafting.
Recovery varies depending on the type and location of the graft and whether tissue was taken from another area of your mouth. We will provide postoperative instructions specific to your procedure.
Swelling & soreness
Some swelling and soreness are expected after surgery and generally improve as healing progresses.
Protecting the graft
Avoid pulling on the lip or cheek to look at the graft and avoid brushing or disturbing the area until instructed. Protecting the graft during early healing is important.
Donor-site care
If tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth, that area will also need time to heal. We will provide instructions for keeping the area comfortable and protected during recovery.
Healing & follow-up
Follow-up allows us to monitor the graft and surrounding tissues as they heal and determine when you can return to normal care of the area.
Common questions about soft tissue grafting.
Where does the graft tissue come from?
Soft tissue grafting may use tissue from your own mouth, most commonly from the roof of the mouth, or a processed donor-derived graft material. The best option depends on the area being treated, the amount and type of tissue needed, and the goals of treatment.
Will tissue need to be taken from the roof of my mouth?
Not always. Some procedures are best performed using your own tissue, while donor-derived materials may be appropriate in selected situations. We will discuss the recommended graft material and alternatives with you before surgery.
How uncomfortable is the roof of the mouth after grafting?
If tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth, the donor site can be sore while it heals. The amount of discomfort varies depending on how much tissue is needed and the technique used. We will provide instructions to help protect the area and keep you comfortable during healing.
How long does soft tissue grafting take to heal?
Early healing occurs over the first few weeks, but the graft and surrounding tissues continue to mature over time. Healing varies depending on the type of graft, the area treated, your health, and other procedures performed at the same time.
Can soft tissue grafting be done with implant surgery?
Sometimes. Soft tissue grafting may be performed before, during, or after implant placement depending on the condition of the tissue and the goals of treatment. In other situations, allowing one area to heal before the next procedure may be preferred.
Do you treat gum recession?
Soft tissue grafting may be appropriate for selected areas of gum recession, but recession can have several causes and may require periodontal treatment. Some patients are better treated by a periodontist. When appropriate, we can coordinate care with your general dentist or periodontal specialist.
Will the graft last permanently?
Soft tissue grafting is intended to provide a long-term improvement, but the tissue can change over time. Oral hygiene, gum health, brushing habits, smoking, anatomy, and the health of nearby teeth or implants can all affect long-term stability.
Will I be asleep for soft tissue grafting?
Not necessarily. Anesthesia options may include local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia depending on your procedure, health history, preferences, and other clinical considerations.
Understanding the risks of soft tissue grafting.
Soft tissue grafting is a common surgical procedure, but all surgery involves potential risks. These vary depending on the area being treated, the type of graft used, your health history, and the complexity of treatment.
Potential complications can include pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, delayed healing, graft shrinkage or loss, changes in tissue appearance, or problems at a donor site if tissue is taken from another area of your mouth.
Your individual anatomy, treatment options, and risks will be reviewed with you before surgery so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Have questions about soft tissue grafting?
Contact our team to request an appointment and discuss whether an evaluation may be appropriate for you.