Gingival Grafting

Sometimes called periodontal plastic surgery or a gum graft, gingival grafting is a term that encompasses several surgical periodontal procedures designed to cover an exposed tooth root with grafted oral tissue. By covering exposed root surfaces in this way it decreases or eliminates sensitivity, prevents additional root exposure, decreases tendency toward root caries and offer an improvement in cosmetic appearance. A periodontist usually performs gingival grafting because of their experience in the field, but a general dentist with specific training can also do this type of treatment.