Soft tissue grafting is performed to augment the gingival or gum tissues in areas of the mouth which may be deficient for a variety of reasons. Dr. Ferdowsmakan performs soft tissue grafting to augment sites in the mouth which require grafting prior to or after dental implant placement. These sites typically are deficient due to long term tooth loss or thin gum tissue which recedes after a tooth is lost.

Gum tissue typically is harvested from the palate and grafted to the required area. The procedure is minor and can be performed in our state of the art surgical suite. The gum grafting procedure is usually performed with intravenous anesthesia for optimal patient comfort. The graft takes about one or two weeks to heal and become incorporated into the new site in the mouth. The palatal harvest site heals without a scar and fills in with new tissue naturally. Often Dr. Ferdowsmakan will apply an acrylic stent to the palate to act as a “bandage” for proper healing and maximum patient comfort.

Patients typically return one week after the grafting procedure for a check-up. Dr. Ferdowsmakan will check the surgical sites to ensure that proper healing has occurred. Rarely a second surgical procedure will be required to fully augment the deficient site. The need for multiple surgeries will be discussed with you at your consultation appointment.