Soft tissue grafts for receding gums: pink aesthetics in Beylikdüzü
A beautiful smile isn't only about the teeth; the level, thickness and colour of the gums matter too. Dentists call this "pink aesthetics". Where the gums have receded, a small piece of tissue, usually taken from the palate (a graft), can thicken the gum and partly or fully cover the exposed root. Periodontal plastic surgery and pink aesthetics are among Dr. Hüseyin Aşçı's areas of interest.
Why do gums recede?
- A hard toothbrush, or brushing hard with a sideways scrubbing motion.
- Gum disease and tartar.
- Naturally thin gums.
- Teeth positioned towards the outside of the bone, or orthodontic movement.
- Teeth grinding, lip or tongue piercings, smoking.
We describe the signs of recession and first-line treatment in bleeding and receding gums.
Types of graft
| Method | How it's done | What for |
|---|---|---|
| Connective tissue graft | Connective tissue from the palate is placed under the gum at the receded site | Covering the root, adding thickness in the smile zone |
| Free gingival graft | Surface tissue from the palate is stitched directly onto the receded site | Creating a band of firm gum, especially at the lower front teeth |
| Tunnel and advancement techniques | The gum is prepared as a tunnel with no or minimal incisions and moved with the graft | Root coverage on several teeth, faster healing |
| Tissue substitutes | A collagen-based material is used instead of tissue from the palate | Avoiding a second wound in the palate in suitable cases |
Who is it for?
- Teeth with progressing recession, root sensitivity or wear.
- People unhappy with long, uneven-looking gums when they smile.
- Thin gums that need strengthening before orthodontics, crowns or implants.
Active gum inflammation is treated first. Smoking worsens healing and results. For smiles where the gums sit too low, see gummy smile treatment.
The procedure and recovery
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic. In the following days there may be tenderness, especially at the palate where tissue was taken; painkillers and cold compresses are usually enough. Soft, lukewarm food is best at first, and the treated area isn't brushed but cleaned with the mouthwash you're given. Stitches usually come out within one to two weeks, and the tissue takes a few months to reach its final form.
Pink aesthetics at Dent32
At Dent32 we measure and record gum recession and explain its cause and the treatment options in a written plan. For our gum treatments see gum treatment in Beylikdüzü. Dent32 is at Barış Mah., Ginza Lavinya, E-5 Yanyolu No:30 D:179, 34520 Beylikdüzü, Istanbul; to book, call +90 555 011 33 68 or write to us.
Frequently asked questions
Do receded gums grow back on their own?
No. Recession can be stopped, but lost gum doesn't regrow; surgical methods such as grafting are needed to cover the root.
Is a gum graft painful?
You won't feel pain during the procedure thanks to local anaesthetic. Afterwards there may be a few days of tenderness, especially at the palate.
Does all gum recession need a graft?
No. For mild recession that isn't progressing or causing problems, correcting brushing technique and regular check-ups may be enough.
