Periodontics (gum care)
Gum graft in Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion
A gum graft is a minor surgical procedure that adds gum tissue where the gums have receded and exposed the root of a tooth. It covers the root, thickens the gum, stops the recession from progressing and relieves sensitivity. It is done under local anesthesia in 45 to 90 minutes.
At a glance
| Duration | 45 to 90 minutes |
| Anesthesia | Local |
| Initial healing | 10 to 14 days; full maturation 3 to 6 months |
| Rest | 1 to 2 days, no sports for a week |
| Result | Stable long-term if the cause is corrected |
Offered in Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion, 7 days a week in Valleyfield and Monday to Friday in Vaudreuil-Dorion. Phone: 514-533-3368.
Gum graft: what you need to know
Gum recession exposes the root, which has no enamel: the tooth becomes sensitive to cold, more prone to decay and appears longer. Recession can be caused by aggressive brushing, thin gum tissue, periodontal disease, grinding or orthodontic movement. Once the gum has receded, it does not grow back on its own.
At Go Dentiste, gum grafts are performed at our Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion clinics using tissue from the palate or a donor material, depending on the situation. Our dentists first correct the cause of the recession, then plan the graft, and coordinate complex or multiple-site cases with a periodontist.
When to consider a gum graft
- A tooth that looks longer than its neighbours because the root is exposed
- Sharp sensitivity to cold or to touch on the exposed root
- A notch worn into the root at the gumline
- Recession that has progressed between two check-ups
- Thin, fragile gum tissue before or after orthodontics, or around an implant
How the treatment works, step by step
1. Assessment
The dentist measures the recession, checks the thickness of the gum and identifies the cause: brushing technique, grinding, bite or gum disease.
2. Preparation
The cause is corrected first (softer brush, night guard, periodontal treatment) and the teeth are cleaned.
3. Local anesthesia
The recipient site and, if applicable, the palate are numbed.
4. Harvesting and placement
A small piece of connective tissue is taken from the palate or a donor material is used, then placed and sutured over the exposed root.
5. Protection
A dressing may cover the palate; a stent or gauze protects the donor site for the first days.
6. Follow-up
Sutures are checked or removed after 10 to 14 days, and healing is monitored over the following months.
Benefits
- Covers the exposed root and reduces sensitivity
- Stops the recession from progressing
- Protects the root from decay and wear
- Improves the appearance of a long tooth
- Creates thicker, more resistant gum tissue around teeth and implants
After the treatment: advice
- Do not brush or floss the grafted area for two weeks; use the prescribed mouthwash instead
- Avoid pulling your lip to look at the site, as it can dislodge the graft
- Eat soft, cool foods for the first days and avoid chewing on the grafted side
- Take the prescribed medication and apply ice on the first day to limit swelling
- No smoking and no strenuous exercise for at least a week
Alternatives and options
When the recession is stable and the sensitivity is mild, a fluoride varnish, a desensitizing toothpaste or a composite restoration on the root can be enough. A pinhole or tunnel technique may be offered in selected cases. Treating the cause (brushing technique, night guard, periodontal therapy) is always the first step and sometimes the only one needed.
Gum graft in Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion
Go Dentiste Valleyfield
Address:
785 Monseigneur-Langlois Boulevard
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec J6S 0B1
Opening hours
| MondayMon | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
|---|---|
| TuesdayTue | 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| WednesdayWed | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| ThursdayThu | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| FridayFri | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
| SaturdaySat | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
| SundaySun | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
Phone: 514-533-3368
Go Dentiste Vaudreuil-Dorion
Address:
275 Harwood Boulevard
Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec J7V 1Y3
Opening hours
| MondayMon | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
|---|---|
| TuesdayTue | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| WednesdayWed | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| ThursdayThu | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| FridayFri | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| SaturdaySat | Closed |
| SundaySun | Closed |
Phone: 514-533-3368
Frequently asked questions about gum graft
Does a gum graft hurt?
The procedure is done under local anesthesia. Afterwards, the palate donor site is the most sensitive area for about a week; the prescribed medication and soft foods keep the discomfort manageable.
How long does healing take?
The graft is stable after 10 to 14 days and matures over three to six months. Most patients return to work within one or two days.
Will the root be fully covered?
It depends on the shape of the recession and the bone underneath. Narrow recessions with intact bone between the teeth can often be completely covered; wider ones are partially covered but the gum is thickened and the progression is stopped.
Can I avoid taking tissue from my palate?
In many cases, yes: donor tissue (allograft) or collagen matrices can replace palatal tissue, which avoids a second surgical site. The dentist explains which option suits your case.
Is a gum graft covered by insurance?
Many private plans cover periodontal surgery including grafts, often with a pre-determination. The CDCP covers certain periodontal procedures for eligible patients.
Should the graft be done before or after braces?
Thin gum tissue is often grafted before orthodontic treatment to prevent recession during tooth movement; existing recession is usually treated after the teeth are in their final position.
Related treatments
- Gum disease treatment (gingivitis and periodontitis)
- Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
- Sensitive teeth
- Dental bonding (composite restoration)
- Dental implants
See also: Periodontics (gum care) · All our dental services · Emergency dentist
Book an appointment in Valleyfield or Vaudreuil-Dorion
New patients welcome, same-day emergencies. One phone number for both clinics.
Content prepared by the Go Dentiste team (Dr Dominic Morel-Maynard, general dentist and owner). Last updated: September 25, 2026. General information for guidance only: only an in-clinic exam can establish a diagnosis and a treatment plan suited to your situation.