Denver Gum Grafting
Written by the Downtown Denver Dental team. Medically reviewed by Dr. Aaron Goodman. Last reviewed: July 2026.
Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure that rebuilds a receding gumline by adding healthy tissue over exposed tooth roots, which protects those roots from decay, calms sensitivity, and slows further recession.
What is a gum graft, and do I need one?
A gum graft covers exposed tooth roots with healthy gum tissue, taken either from your own mouth or from processed donor tissue. You may need one if your gums have pulled back far enough to expose the root surface, if cold or sweet foods trigger sensitivity, or if a tooth looks longer than it used to. Recession rarely reverses on its own, so a graft is often the step that keeps a small problem from turning into tooth loss.
Root coverage
A graft shields the softer root surface that sits below the enamel, cutting the risk of root cavities.
Sensitivity relief
Covering the root reduces the sharp response to hot, cold, and sweet.
A stable gumline
New tissue reinforces thin or worn gums so recession has a harder time advancing.
How do we approach your gum graft?
At Downtown Denver Dental, every gum graft starts with an exam of your gums, roots, and supporting bone, so we can measure how far recession has progressed and plan the right approach.
If gum disease is active, we treat that first and confirm a healthy foundation before any grafting. From there, we walk you through the plan, the healing timeline, and what your result will look like, so nothing about treatment catches you off guard.
Full periodontal evaluation
Measurements and images show exactly where tissue is thin or missing.
Foundation first
We treat active gum disease before a graft is placed.
A clear plan
You review the steps, healing, and expected outcome up front.
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What causes gums to recede in the first place?
Gum recession happens when the band of tissue around a tooth wears down or detaches, and several everyday factors drive it. Aggressive brushing, grinding, thin natural gum tissue, and untreated periodontal disease are the most common culprits. Because advanced gum disease is a leading cause, we usually treat any active infection with scaling and root planing or laser gum therapy before a graft is planned.
Flexible Payments
Coverage Options
We accept most major PPO dental plans, including Delta Dental Premier, United Healthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Ameritas, Anthem, MetLife, Principal, Guardian, and The Standard. Many PPO policies treat grafting as a medically necessary periodontal procedure when recession threatens tooth health, and we help you check your benefits before treatment. See our insurance page for the full list of plans we accept.
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Bone grafting
When recession comes with underlying bone loss, bone grafting rebuilds the ridge that supports your teeth.
Dental implants
If a tooth is already lost, dental implants replace the root and restore a full bite.
Routine cleanings
Consistent routine cleanings keep grafted tissue and the gums around it healthy for the long run.
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Need to Know
How much does Denver gum grafting cost?
Cost depends on how many teeth are involved and the type of graft your case needs, so a firm price only becomes clear after an exam. We accept most major PPO plans and offer financing through CareCredit, Sunbit, and Proceed Financial, so treatment can be spread into manageable payments. Ask our front desk for an estimate once your plan is set.
Am I a good candidate for a gum graft?
Most people with healthy teeth and receding gums are candidates, and an evaluation is the only way to know for sure. Good candidates usually have exposed roots, ongoing sensitivity, or a gumline that keeps creeping back, with any active gum disease already under control. Smoking and uncontrolled health conditions can slow healing, so we review those during your consultation.
How long does a gum graft take, and how many visits?
Most grafts are completed in a single appointment, with one follow-up visit to check healing. The procedure itself usually takes about an hour, depending on how many teeth we treat. We confirm your exact timeline once the plan is set.
What is recovery like after a gum graft?
Recovery is generally straightforward, with mild soreness and swelling for the first few days that responds well to over-the-counter pain relief. Soft foods, gentle brushing away from the site, and skipping strenuous activity for a day or two all help the tissue settle. Full healing takes a few weeks, and we send you home with written aftercare steps and a follow-up visit to track your progress.
Does dental insurance cover gum grafting?
Coverage varies by plan, and many PPO policies treat grafting as medically necessary when recession threatens tooth health. We work with plans including Delta Dental Premier, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, and others, and we help you check your benefits before treatment begins.
Find us near you
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1050 17th St, Ste B-190
Denver, CO 80265
- Monday - Thursday: 7:30am - 4:30pm
