Board-certified periodontist Dr. Chanook David Ahn performs all types of soft tissue grafts to treat gum recession and protect your smile
Gum grafting is a periodontal surgical procedure that restores gum tissue lost to recession -- the gradual pulling away of gum tissue from the teeth that exposes the vulnerable root surfaces beneath. When gums recede, the exposed roots become susceptible to decay, temperature sensitivity, and further tissue loss. Left untreated, recession can progress to the point where teeth loosen and eventually require extraction.
At The Loft Dental Studio in Costa Mesa, Dr. Chanook David Ahn performs all major gum grafting techniques, selecting the approach best suited to each patient's specific pattern of recession, tissue thickness, and aesthetic goals. As a board-certified periodontist with advanced residency training at Yale-New Haven Hospital and the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (a UCLA-affiliated program where he served as Chief Resident), Dr. Ahn brings the specialized training and surgical precision that gum grafting demands. For a complete overview of techniques and candidacy, visit our comprehensive gum grafting page.
Gum grafting works by transplanting tissue -- either from the patient's own palate or from a donor tissue matrix -- to the area of recession, where it integrates with existing tissue to rebuild the protective band of gum that should surround each tooth. The result is coverage of exposed roots, elimination of sensitivity, a more even gum line, and long-term protection against continued recession and bone loss.
Dr. Ahn is trained and experienced in every major gum grafting technique. The choice of technique depends on the severity and location of recession, the thickness and quality of your existing gum tissue, the number of teeth affected, and your preferences regarding recovery and donor site comfort.
The connective tissue graft is the gold standard for root coverage and the most commonly performed gum graft procedure worldwide. Dr. Ahn harvests a thin layer of connective tissue from beneath the surface of the palate through a small trap-door incision, then positions this tissue over the exposed root and secures it with microsurgical sutures. The overlying gum tissue is then advanced to cover the graft. CTG produces excellent root coverage results -- typically 80 to 100 percent coverage of exposed roots -- with natural color matching and tissue thickness that resists future recession. The palate donor site heals within one to two weeks.
The free gingival graft is designed primarily to increase the width and thickness of attached gum tissue rather than to cover exposed roots. Dr. Ahn harvests a small strip of tissue directly from the surface of the palate and sutures it to the area lacking adequate attached gingiva. FGG is particularly valuable for patients with a thin gum biotype who are at high risk for progressive recession, and for areas around dental implants that need a thicker tissue collar for long-term stability. While it does not blend as seamlessly as a connective tissue graft in terms of color matching, it creates a durable, resilient band of keratinized tissue that resists mechanical trauma and bacterial infiltration.
AlloDerm is a human-derived acellular dermal matrix that serves as an alternative to harvesting tissue from your own palate. Dr. Ahn uses AlloDerm for patients who need multiple teeth treated simultaneously, who have limited palatal tissue available for harvesting, or who prefer to avoid the palate donor site entirely. The AlloDerm graft acts as a scaffold that your body repopulates with its own cells and blood vessels, ultimately integrating into your existing tissue. Recovery is often faster and more comfortable compared to autogenous grafts because there is no palate wound. Clinical studies demonstrate comparable root coverage outcomes to connective tissue grafts in many recession scenarios.
The pinhole surgical technique is a minimally invasive approach to treating gum recession without scalpel incisions, sutures, or tissue harvesting. Dr. Ahn makes a tiny pinhole in the gum tissue above the receded area, then uses specialized instruments to gently loosen and reposition the existing gum tissue down over the exposed roots. Collagen strips are placed through the pinhole to stabilize the tissue in its new position. PST is particularly effective for patients with recession affecting multiple adjacent teeth, as the entire area can be treated through one or two small pinholes. Patients experience minimal discomfort and can often resume normal activities the same day.
Understanding the underlying cause of your gum recession is essential for selecting the right treatment and preventing recurrence after grafting. Dr. Ahn evaluates each patient's recession pattern, tissue characteristics, and contributing factors during the initial consultation to develop a targeted treatment plan.
Gum grafting addresses both the functional and aesthetic consequences of gum recession. The benefits extend well beyond cosmetic improvement, providing long-term protection for your teeth and overall oral health.
Recovery from gum grafting is generally straightforward, and most patients return to their normal routines within a few days. The specific recovery timeline depends on the technique used and the extent of treatment.
During the first one to two weeks, you will follow a soft diet that avoids anything hard, crunchy, spicy, or acidic. Foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs, pasta, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soup are ideal during the initial healing phase. You must avoid brushing or flossing directly over the graft site for the time period Dr. Ahn specifies -- typically 10 to 14 days. Instead, you will use a prescribed antimicrobial mouth rinse to keep the area clean without disturbing the healing tissue.
Mild swelling and discomfort are normal in the first few days and are well managed with over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen. If a palate donor site was used (as in CTG or FGG procedures), the palate may feel sore for several days. A protective palatal stent can be provided to cover the donor site and reduce discomfort during eating. Patients who receive AlloDerm or pinhole treatment typically experience less post-operative discomfort because no palate tissue was harvested.
Full tissue maturation -- the point at which the grafted tissue has completely integrated, thickened, and blended with the surrounding gums in color and texture -- takes approximately three to six months. During this time, the tissue continues to strengthen and the blood supply to the graft matures. Follow-up visits with Dr. Ahn at one week, one month, and three months post-surgery allow him to monitor healing and ensure optimal graft integration.
Gum grafting at The Loft Dental Studio typically ranges from $600 to $3,000 per treatment area, depending on the technique selected and the number of teeth involved. A single-tooth connective tissue graft falls on the lower end of this range, while multi-tooth AlloDerm or pinhole procedures that treat several adjacent teeth in one session cost more. Dr. Ahn provides a detailed treatment plan with exact costs after your diagnostic evaluation, so you know precisely what to expect before any procedure is scheduled.
Many PPO dental insurance plans cover a portion of gum grafting under their periodontal surgery benefits. Insurance carriers we work with regularly include Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, Aetna, UHC, and BCBS. Coverage amounts vary by plan, and some carriers may classify different graft techniques under different benefit codes. Our administrative team contacts your insurance provider directly to verify your specific periodontal benefits before treatment, so you understand your estimated out-of-pocket cost with no surprises.
For patients without insurance or whose plans do not fully cover the procedure, financing options are available. When evaluating the cost of gum grafting, it is important to consider the consequences of leaving recession untreated: progressive root exposure leads to decay that may require crowns ($1,000 to $1,800 per tooth) or eventually tooth loss requiring implant replacement ($3,000 to $5,500 per tooth). Gum grafting is among the most cost-effective investments in long-term dental health.
Dr. Ahn evaluates your recession pattern, tissue quality, and treatment options during a thorough consultation at our Costa Mesa office. Call today to get started.
Call (714) 549-7030Gum grafting outcomes are directly determined by the surgeon's training, technique, and experience with soft tissue management. Dr. Chanook David Ahn brings a combination of credentials that Costa Mesa patients should weigh carefully when choosing a provider for gum recession treatment.
Board-Certified Periodontist: Dr. Ahn is certified by the American Board of Periodontology, a distinction earned by passing rigorous written and oral examinations covering advanced periodontal surgery, regenerative procedures, implant placement, and patient management. Board certification represents a voluntary commitment to the highest standard of specialty practice.
Yale-Trained with Chief Residency: Dr. Ahn completed his General Practice Residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital before pursuing his periodontics specialty residency at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, a UCLA-affiliated program where he served as Chief Resident. This training emphasized microsurgical technique, tissue management, and evidence-based treatment planning -- all critical to successful gum grafting outcomes.
Full Range of Techniques: Unlike providers who offer only one or two graft types, Dr. Ahn performs CTG, FGG, AlloDerm, and pinhole procedures. This means your treatment recommendation is based on what will produce the best result for your specific case, not on the limitations of the provider's skill set.
5,000+ Implants and Periodontal Procedures: With over 5,000 implants placed and thousands of periodontal surgeries performed, Dr. Ahn has the procedural volume and pattern recognition that produces consistently predictable results across a wide range of clinical scenarios.
5.0 Stars Across 159 Reviews: Our patients consistently rate their experience at the highest level. This perfect Google rating reflects not only clinical outcomes but also the attentive, transparent communication that Dr. Ahn and his team provide throughout every stage of treatment.
Gum grafting at The Loft Dental Studio in Costa Mesa typically ranges from $600 to $3,000 per treatment area, depending on the technique used and the number of teeth involved. Connective tissue grafts and free gingival grafts fall on the lower end, while AlloDerm grafts and multi-tooth pinhole procedures may cost more. Many PPO dental insurance plans cover a portion of gum grafting under periodontal surgery benefits. Our team verifies your specific coverage before treatment so you know your out-of-pocket cost upfront.
Dr. Ahn performs all major types of gum grafts, including connective tissue grafts (CTG), free gingival grafts (FGG), AlloDerm acellular dermal matrix grafts, and the pinhole surgical technique (PST). As a board-certified periodontist, he selects the technique best suited to each patient's specific pattern of gum recession, tissue thickness, and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, he will explain which approach offers the most predictable outcome for your case.
Most patients return to normal activities within one to two days after gum grafting, though the graft site requires careful protection for one to two weeks. During the initial healing period, you will eat a soft diet, avoid brushing or flossing the graft site directly, and use a prescribed antimicrobial rinse. Mild swelling and discomfort are normal and typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Full tissue maturation and blending with surrounding gum tissue takes three to six months.
Gum grafting is performed under local anesthesia, so you feel no pain during the procedure. Patients who choose AlloDerm or the pinhole technique experience less post-operative discomfort since no tissue is harvested from the palate. For connective tissue and free gingival grafts, the palate donor site can be mildly sore for several days. Dr. Ahn uses precise microsurgical techniques and provides detailed post-operative instructions to minimize discomfort throughout healing.
Once gum tissue has receded, it does not grow back on its own. Gum recession is permanent without surgical intervention. While improving brushing habits and treating periodontal disease can prevent further recession, only a gum graft or similar surgical procedure can restore the lost tissue and cover exposed tooth roots. Early treatment produces the best results, so if you notice your gums pulling away from your teeth, schedule an evaluation promptly.
A periodontist completes three additional years of specialty training beyond dental school focused exclusively on gum tissue, bone, and the supporting structures of the teeth. This advanced training includes extensive experience with all gum grafting techniques, microsurgical instrumentation, and tissue management. While some general dentists perform basic gum grafts, a board-certified periodontist like Dr. Ahn has the specialized training and daily procedural volume to handle complex recession cases and achieve optimal root coverage outcomes.