Board-certified periodontist Dr. Chanook David Ahn performs all gum graft techniques -- CTG, FGG, AlloDerm, and pinhole -- serving patients across Orange County from Costa Mesa
Gum recession is one of the most common conditions dentists encounter, yet the treatment it requires -- soft tissue grafting -- is among the most technique-sensitive procedures in dentistry. The difference between a graft that achieves complete, lasting root coverage and one that shrinks, fails, or produces an unnatural result often comes down to the training and experience of the clinician performing the procedure.
A board-certified periodontist completes three additional years of full-time residency training beyond dental school, focused exclusively on the gums, bone, and supporting structures of the teeth. During that residency, periodontists perform hundreds of soft tissue grafting procedures under the supervision of academic specialists, mastering the microsurgical techniques, tissue handling, and blood supply management that determine graft survival and aesthetic outcomes. General dentists, by contrast, receive limited exposure to gum grafting during dental school and may perform these procedures infrequently in practice.
Dr. Chanook David Ahn brings credentials that Orange County patients should weigh carefully when choosing a provider for gum grafting. He 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. Dr. Ahn is certified by the American Board of Periodontology -- a distinction earned through rigorous written and oral examinations that verify advanced competency in periodontal surgery, regenerative procedures, and soft tissue management. With over 5,000 dental implants placed and thousands of soft tissue grafts performed, he offers a depth of surgical experience that is difficult to match in general practice.
Critically, Dr. Ahn performs every type of gum graft technique available today. Many providers are limited to one or two approaches, which means they may recommend the technique they know rather than the one best suited to your anatomy. At The Loft Dental Studio, the technique is selected based on the location and severity of recession, the thickness of your existing tissue, root surface condition, and your aesthetic goals -- not by what the provider happens to offer. For a detailed overview of all gum grafting procedures, visit our comprehensive gum grafting page.
The connective tissue graft remains the gold standard for root coverage, with peer-reviewed success rates exceeding 90% in properly selected cases. Dr. Ahn harvests a thin layer of subepithelial connective tissue from beneath the palate through a small trap-door incision, then places it over the exposed root and tunnels it beneath the existing gum tissue. The graft receives blood supply from both the underlying root surface and the overlying tissue, producing predictable healing and a natural color match. CTG is the most versatile technique and is suitable for single-tooth and multi-tooth recession in both the upper and lower jaw.
The free gingival graft harvests a section of surface tissue directly from the palate and sutures it to the area of recession. Unlike CTG, the FGG includes the outer epithelial layer, which means the grafted tissue may appear slightly different in color and texture from the surrounding gums. FGG is primarily used to increase the width of attached gingiva -- the firm, immovable tissue that protects against further recession -- rather than to achieve root coverage for cosmetic purposes. It is particularly valuable around dental implants and in areas where the band of attached tissue is critically thin or absent.
AlloDerm is a processed human donor tissue matrix that eliminates the need for a palatal donor site. Dr. Ahn places the AlloDerm material over the exposed root and positions the existing gum tissue over it, similar to the CTG technique but without any palate incision. This means less post-operative discomfort, no palate healing, and a faster overall recovery. AlloDerm is particularly beneficial for patients who need multiple areas treated simultaneously, those with a thin palate that may not yield sufficient donor tissue, or those who prefer to avoid a second surgical site. The material serves as a scaffold that is gradually replaced by the patient's own tissue over several months.
The pinhole surgical technique is a minimally invasive approach that repositions existing gum tissue without any incisions, sutures, or tissue harvesting. Dr. Ahn creates a tiny needle-sized entry point in the gum tissue above the recession, then uses specialized instruments to loosen and reposition the tissue downward over the exposed roots. Small collagen strips are placed through the pinhole to stabilize the tissue in its new position. PST can treat multiple teeth in a single visit with minimal discomfort, and many patients notice immediate cosmetic improvement. Recovery is significantly faster than traditional grafting, with most patients returning to normal activities the same day.
Gum recession affects an estimated 50% of adults to some degree, and left untreated, it progresses over time. The exposed root surfaces are softer than enamel, more susceptible to decay, and often painfully sensitive to temperature. Grafting is both a restorative and preventive procedure -- it covers exposed roots while also creating a protective barrier of thick, durable tissue that resists future recession.
Common causes of gum recession that may require grafting include:
If your dentist has noted recession, if your teeth appear longer than they used to, or if you experience sensitivity when drinking cold water or eating ice cream, you may be a candidate for gum grafting. Dr. Ahn provides a comprehensive evaluation including periodontal probing, recession measurements, and assessment of tissue thickness to determine whether grafting is indicated and which technique will produce the best outcome for your situation.
The Loft Dental Studio is centrally located in Costa Mesa's South Coast Metro district at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103, near John Wayne Airport and South Coast Plaza. Our office is accessible from every corner of Orange County, and we regularly see gum grafting patients from across the region.
Cities we serve for gum grafting include:
Free parking is available in the Airway Business Center complex. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM -- including weekend availability for patients whose schedules do not permit weekday appointments.
Orange County has no shortage of dental offices, yet patients regularly drive past dozens of other practices to have their gum grafting performed at The Loft Dental Studio. The reasons are both clinical and experiential.
Every graft technique under one roof. Many providers offer only one or two gum grafting approaches. Dr. Ahn performs CTG, FGG, AlloDerm, and pinhole technique, which means your treatment plan is based on what will produce the best result for your specific recession pattern -- not limited by what the provider happens to know.
CBCT 3D diagnostic imaging. Every gum grafting evaluation includes assessment with cone beam computed tomography when indicated, revealing the bone topography beneath the gum tissue in three dimensions. This imaging shows whether bone loss accompanies the recession -- a critical factor in predicting graft success and selecting the optimal technique.
Boutique, privacy-first environment. The Loft Dental Studio is a small, specialist-focused practice -- not a dental chain or corporate office. You will see the same provider at every visit. Dr. Ahn personally performs every gum grafting procedure (no residents, no associates, no handoffs), and the practice intentionally limits its patient volume to ensure focused, unhurried care.
5.0 stars across 159 Google reviews. Our patients consistently rate their experience at the highest level, reflecting both the clinical outcomes and the transparent, respectful communication that define every interaction at our practice.
Gum grafting at The Loft Dental Studio typically costs between $600 and $3,000 per treatment area, depending on the technique selected, the number of teeth involved, and the complexity of the recession. Connective tissue grafts and free gingival grafts tend to be at the lower end of this range, while AlloDerm grafts and pinhole technique procedures may cost more due to specialized materials and instrumentation.
We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans, and many of these plans cover gum grafting under their periodontal surgery benefits when the procedure is medically necessary. Insurance carriers we work with regularly include Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, Aetna, UHC, and BCBS. Coverage typically ranges from 50% to 80% of the allowed fee after deductibles, though amounts vary by plan. Our administrative team contacts your insurance provider directly to verify your specific benefits before treatment begins, so you know your estimated out-of-pocket cost upfront with no surprises.
For patients without insurance or those whose plans do not fully cover the procedure, we offer financing options to make treatment accessible. The cost of gum grafting should also be weighed against the consequences of leaving recession untreated: continued root exposure increases the risk of root decay, which often requires crowns ($1,200 to $1,800 each) or root canal therapy ($1,000 to $1,500), and advanced recession can ultimately lead to tooth loss requiring implant replacement at $3,000 to $5,500 per tooth.
Recovery from gum grafting varies by technique but generally follows a predictable timeline. Most patients return to work within one to two days, though the pinhole technique often allows same-day return to normal activities.
Days 1-3: Mild to moderate discomfort managed with over-the-counter ibuprofen or a short prescription pain medication. Swelling and minor bruising are normal. Apply ice packs to the outside of the cheek for the first 24 hours. Eat only soft, cool foods such as yogurt, smoothies, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes.
Days 4-14: Discomfort diminishes significantly. Continue soft diet. Do not brush or floss the graft site -- use a prescribed antimicrobial rinse instead. If palate tissue was harvested (CTG or FGG), the donor site heals during this period as well. A protective palatal stent may be provided to reduce discomfort while eating.
Weeks 3-6: Gradually resume normal brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush, avoiding direct pressure on the graft. The tissue color begins to blend with the surrounding gums. Most patients can return to a full diet.
Months 3-6: Full maturation of the graft. The tissue integrates completely, blood supply is established, and the final aesthetic result is visible. Follow-up appointments with Dr. Ahn confirm successful healing and long-term stability.
Board-certified periodontist Dr. Ahn evaluates every type of gum recession and performs all graft techniques. Call to schedule your evaluation at our Costa Mesa office, centrally located for all of Orange County.
Call (714) 549-7030Dr. Chanook David Ahn at The Loft Dental Studio in Costa Mesa is one of the most qualified gum grafting specialists in Orange County. He is a board-certified periodontist who completed his residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital and has placed over 5,000 dental implants. Dr. Ahn performs all gum graft techniques including connective tissue grafts, free gingival grafts, AlloDerm grafts, and the pinhole surgical technique, selecting the optimal approach for each patient's anatomy and goals.
Gum grafting in Orange County typically costs between $600 and $3,000 per treatment area, depending on the technique used, the number of teeth involved, and the severity of recession. Connective tissue grafts and free gingival grafts that harvest tissue from the palate tend to cost less than AlloDerm grafts, which use donor tissue and avoid a palate incision. The pinhole surgical technique may cost more due to specialized instrumentation. Many PPO dental insurance plans cover a portion of gum grafting under periodontal surgery benefits.
Yes, many PPO dental insurance plans cover gum grafting when it is medically necessary to treat gum recession and protect tooth roots. At The Loft Dental Studio, we work with most major PPO carriers including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, Aetna, UHC, and BCBS. Coverage amounts vary by plan and typically range from 50% to 80% of the allowed fee after deductibles. Our team verifies your specific benefits before treatment so you know your out-of-pocket cost upfront.
A connective tissue graft (CTG) involves harvesting a small piece of tissue from beneath the palate and placing it over the exposed root, then suturing the gum tissue over it. It is the gold standard for root coverage with a success rate above 90%. The pinhole surgical technique (PST) uses a tiny needle-sized hole in the gum tissue through which the existing gums are loosened and repositioned over the recession without any incisions or sutures. PST can treat multiple teeth in a single visit with minimal discomfort but is not suitable for every type of recession. Dr. Ahn evaluates each case individually to recommend the technique most likely to achieve complete, lasting root coverage.
Most patients return to work within one to two days after gum grafting. Initial healing takes about two weeks, during which you eat a soft diet and avoid brushing or flossing at the graft site. Mild discomfort is managed with over-the-counter pain medication or a short prescription if needed. The graft matures over three to six months as the tissue integrates fully and blood supply is established. Pinhole technique patients often experience even faster recovery since there are no sutures and no palate donor site to heal.
A board-certified periodontist is the most qualified provider for gum grafting. Periodontists complete three additional years of surgical residency training focused exclusively on gum tissue, bone, and the supporting structures of teeth. They perform soft tissue grafting procedures regularly, whereas most general dentists encounter gum recession far less frequently and may not offer all graft techniques. Board certification by the American Board of Periodontology adds an additional layer of verified competency through comprehensive examinations. For best results, especially in complex or multi-tooth recession cases, a periodontist delivers the highest predictability.