Tissue Grafting
Rebuilding Healthy Tissue for Stronger, More Resilient Gums
If your gums have thinned or pulled away from the teeth, you may be at higher risk for sensitivity, root exposure, or future tooth loss. Tissue grafting is a restorative procedure that helps reinforce and rebuild areas where the gum tissue has weakened. Whether the goal is to protect your teeth, improve comfort, or support other treatments like implants or restorations, tissue grafting offers a dependable path to long-term stability.
.avif)
Thoughtful, No-Nonsense Care That Prioritizes Your Comfort and Results
At Aaron B. Carner, DMD, LLC, with offices in Greenwood and Clinton, our tissue grafting services are available to patients from Coronaca, Cross Hill, Mountville, and surrounding communities. We focus on reinforcing thin gum tissue comfortably, providing clear guidance without unnecessary complexity.
What Is Tissue Grafting?
Tissue grafting involves adding healthy tissue to areas where your gums have become too thin or have receded. The new tissue may come from your own mouth (usually the roof of the mouth) or from a processed donor source. Once placed and secured, this graft helps:
- Reinforce delicate or thinning areas of gum
- Protect roots that have become exposed
- Enhance gum thickness to prevent further recession
- Improve gum support around crowns, bridges, or dental implants
While gum grafting focuses on covering exposed roots, tissue grafting is often more preventative — aimed at strengthening tissue that’s at risk before further damage occurs.
Who Might Need It?
You might be a candidate for tissue grafting if:
- Your gum tissue is thin or fragile
- You have a history of gum recession
- You’re preparing for implant placement
- You’re experiencing sensitivity at the gumline
- You want to prevent further tissue loss
This treatment is often recommended as part of a broader plan to protect the foundation of your teeth or prepare for other dental work.
What to Expect
The procedure is performed in-office by Dr. Aaron B. Carner with local anesthesia. Most appointments take about an hour. If donor tissue is used, the process is even more streamlined, and there’s no second surgical site.
After treatment, you’ll receive full care instructions to support healing. Most patients are back to normal routines within a few days — though we recommend soft foods and avoiding brushing directly on the treated area for a bit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between gum grafting and tissue grafting?
Gum grafting usually targets root coverage, while tissue grafting focuses more broadly on thickening areas of thin or at-risk gum tissue. Both procedures may be combined depending on your needs.
Will I need stitches?
In most cases, yes. We use fine sutures to hold the graft in place while it heals. These are often dissolvable or removed easily at a follow-up appointment.
How long does it take to heal?
Initial healing takes about 1–2 weeks. Full integration of the grafted tissue may take a bit longer, but most patients resume normal routines within a few days.
Is tissue grafting only cosmetic?
No. While it can improve the appearance of the gums, the primary benefit is functional — reinforcing weakened tissue, protecting roots, and supporting long-term gum health.
Is this covered by insurance?
If the procedure is recommended to address functional issues — such as preventing tooth loss or managing periodontal problems — your insurance may cover part of it. We’ll help check your plan and discuss financing through CareCredit and Cherry if needed.
Strengthen Your Smile from the Roots Up
Tissue grafting is a small procedure with big benefits — especially when it comes to preventing future problems. If you’ve been told your gums are thinning or at risk, we’re here to walk you through your options and help you make the right choice for your health and comfort.
Call (864) 223-0543 or contact us here to request a consultation with Dr. Carner. Let’s reinforce your gum health, one small step at a time.