Board-certified periodontist Dr. Chanook David Ahn performs all types of soft tissue grafts -- CTG, FGG, AlloDerm, and pinhole -- just 10 minutes from Tustin via the 55 Freeway
Gum grafting is a periodontal surgical procedure that restores gum tissue lost to recession -- the gradual pulling back of the gum line that exposes tooth roots that were never designed to be exposed to the oral environment. When the protective band of attached gingiva thins or disappears, tooth roots become vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, and accelerated bone loss. Without treatment, recession almost always progresses, and the damage compounds over time.
The procedure works by transplanting a small amount of tissue -- either from the roof of your own mouth, from a tissue bank (AlloDerm), or by repositioning existing gum tissue -- to rebuild the protective barrier around the affected teeth. When performed by a board-certified periodontist, gum grafting achieves predictable root coverage, eliminates sensitivity, and creates a stable band of thick, resilient gum tissue that resists future recession. For Tustin residents experiencing gum recession, The Loft Dental Studio in nearby Costa Mesa offers every modern grafting technique under one roof.
For a detailed overview of all gum grafting procedures we offer, visit our comprehensive gum grafting page.
Dr. Ahn is trained in every major soft tissue grafting technique, which means your treatment plan is based on what your tissue needs -- not on the limitations of the provider. Each technique has specific advantages, and the right choice depends on the location and severity of recession, the thickness of your existing tissue, and whether root coverage or tissue thickening is the primary goal.
The connective tissue graft is the gold standard for root coverage in areas of gum recession. A thin layer of subepithelial connective tissue is harvested from beneath the surface of the palate and placed over the exposed root surface, then covered by the adjacent gum tissue. CTG produces the most predictable root coverage results and is supported by decades of peer-reviewed research. It is particularly effective for single-tooth recession and localized areas where achieving complete root coverage is the primary objective.
The free gingival graft harvests a small piece of tissue directly from the surface of the palate and transfers it to an area that lacks adequate attached gingiva. Unlike CTG, the primary purpose of FGG is to increase the width and thickness of the keratinized tissue band rather than to cover exposed roots. This technique is frequently used around lower front teeth, dental implants, and areas where thin, fragile tissue is at risk of continued recession even without root exposure.
AlloDerm is a processed human donor tissue that eliminates the need to harvest tissue from the palate, meaning no second surgical site and reduced post-operative discomfort. The acellular dermal matrix acts as a scaffold that your body's own cells populate and remodel into functional gum tissue. AlloDerm is an excellent option for patients who need grafting across multiple teeth or who prefer to avoid the palatal donor site. Dr. Ahn has extensive experience with AlloDerm and selects it when the clinical situation supports a tissue-bank approach without compromising outcomes.
The pinhole surgical technique is a minimally invasive approach that repositions existing gum tissue over exposed roots through a tiny pinhole incision -- no scalpel cuts, no sutures, and no tissue harvesting. Collagen membrane strips are placed through the pinhole to stabilize the repositioned tissue in its new position. PST can treat multiple teeth in a single visit with minimal downtime and is particularly appealing to patients who want to address widespread mild-to-moderate recession in one procedure. Recovery is faster than traditional grafting, and most patients experience little to no discomfort.
Our Costa Mesa office in the South Coast Metro area is just 10 minutes from Tustin via the 55 Freeway. Located at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, The Loft Dental Studio sits right off the 405/55 freeway interchange -- the same corridor that many Tustin residents already travel for work, shopping, or dining near South Coast Plaza and John Wayne Airport.
Tustin residents choose our practice for gum grafting because board-certified periodontists who perform the full range of soft tissue techniques are not common in the immediate Tustin area. Many general dentists may identify recession during a routine exam, but treating it effectively with CTG, FGG, AlloDerm, or pinhole surgery requires a specialist who performs these procedures regularly and understands the nuances of tissue handling, flap design, and donor site management.
Dr. Chanook David Ahn completed his General Practice Residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital and his periodontics specialty residency at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, a UCLA-affiliated program where he served as Chief Resident. He is certified by the American Board of Periodontology and has placed over 5,000 dental implants -- experience that provides deep familiarity with soft tissue behavior around both natural teeth and implant restorations. This combination of training and volume means Tustin patients receive their gum grafting from a specialist whose daily work revolves around the gums, bone, and supporting structures of the teeth.
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 that accommodates Tustin patients who cannot take time off during the work week.
Gum recession affects millions of adults, and it can develop gradually enough that many patients do not notice it until significant tissue has been lost. If your Tustin dentist has pointed out recession during a routine exam, or if you have noticed any of the following symptoms, a gum grafting consultation with Dr. Ahn can determine whether treatment is needed and which technique will produce the best result.
The most common causes of gum recession include aggressive tooth brushing with a hard-bristle brush, periodontal disease that has destroyed the attachment apparatus, a naturally thin gum biotype (genetic predisposition), teeth positioned outside the bone envelope, tobacco use, and hormonal changes. Some patients have multiple contributing factors, and identifying the underlying cause is essential for choosing the right graft technique and preventing recurrence after treatment.
Gum grafting is a microsurgical procedure where success depends on the precision of tissue handling, the design of the surgical flap, the preparation of the root surface, and the stability of the graft during the critical first weeks of healing. Periodontists are dental specialists who complete three additional years of residency training focused exclusively on the gums, bone, and supporting structures of the teeth -- including hundreds of soft tissue surgeries performed under direct supervision of experienced faculty.
General dentists receive limited surgical training during dental school and may offer basic gum grafting, but their scope typically does not include the full range of techniques needed to match the procedure to the patient's specific anatomy. A periodontist can evaluate whether your recession is best addressed with a CTG for root coverage, an FGG for tissue thickening, an AlloDerm graft to avoid a palatal donor site, or a pinhole approach for multi-tooth treatment -- and then execute whichever technique produces the most predictable long-term result.
Dr. Ahn's board certification from the American Board of Periodontology represents a voluntary commitment to the highest standard of specialty practice. Board certification requires passing rigorous written and oral examinations that test advanced knowledge in periodontal surgery, regenerative procedures, implant placement, and patient management. Among periodontists, only a subset complete the board certification process, making it a meaningful indicator of clinical commitment and competence.
Gum grafting at The Loft Dental Studio typically ranges from $600 to $3,000 per treatment area, depending on the technique used, the number of teeth involved, and the complexity of the case. A single-tooth connective tissue graft is at the lower end of the range, while multi-tooth pinhole procedures or AlloDerm grafts covering several adjacent teeth fall at the higher end. Dr. Ahn provides a detailed treatment plan with exact costs after your diagnostic evaluation.
We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans, and many of these plans cover gum grafting when it is classified as medically necessary periodontal surgery. Coverage typically ranges from 50 to 80 percent of the procedure cost depending on your specific plan. Insurance carriers we work with regularly include Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, Aetna, UHC, and BCBS. Our administrative team contacts your insurance provider directly to verify your periodontal benefits before treatment, so you know your estimated out-of-pocket costs with no surprises.
For patients without dental insurance or those whose plans do not fully cover the procedure, we offer financing options to make treatment accessible. It is important to understand that untreated recession progresses over time. Delaying gum grafting often means more extensive surgery later, at greater cost, with a lower probability of achieving complete root coverage. Early intervention -- when recession is mild to moderate -- produces the best outcomes and the lowest treatment costs.
Recovery from gum grafting is generally straightforward, though the timeline varies depending on the technique used. Most patients return to work and light daily activities within one to two days. The initial healing phase lasts approximately two weeks, during which you follow a soft diet and avoid brushing or flossing directly over the graft site to allow the tissue to stabilize and integrate.
For procedures that involve a palatal donor site (CTG and FGG), the roof of the mouth heals within 10 to 14 days. A protective stent or palatal dressing may be placed to minimize discomfort during the first week. AlloDerm and pinhole techniques eliminate the palatal donor site entirely, which means faster healing and less post-operative discomfort overall.
Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen is typically sufficient to manage any soreness. Prescription medication is available for patients who need it but is rarely required. Swelling peaks around the second or third day and resolves steadily after that. The graft tissue continues to mature and blend with your surrounding gums over three to six months, gradually matching in color and texture until it is virtually indistinguishable from your natural tissue.
Dr. Ahn schedules follow-up appointments at one week, two weeks, and one month after surgery to monitor healing, remove any sutures, and ensure the graft is integrating properly. Long-term maintenance includes regular periodontal cleanings and a review of your brushing technique to protect the grafted tissue from future recession.
Our Costa Mesa office is just 10 minutes from Tustin via the 55 Freeway. Call to schedule your evaluation with Dr. Ahn.
Call (714) 549-7030The Loft Dental Studio is located at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, in the South Coast Metro district near John Wayne Airport and South Coast Plaza.
Head south on Newport Avenue or Red Hill Avenue to reach the 55 Freeway southbound. Take the 55 South toward Newport Beach and exit at Fairview Road. Turn right onto Fairview, then left onto Airway Avenue. The Airway Business Center is on the right. Total drive time is approximately 10 minutes.
Take Jamboree Road south to the 55 Freeway or take Tustin Ranch Road west to the 55 Freeway southbound. Exit at Baker Street or Fairview Road and follow surface streets west to Airway Avenue. Total drive time is approximately 11 to 13 minutes depending on traffic.
Head south on Tustin Ranch Road or Valencia Avenue to connect with the 55 Freeway southbound. Exit at Fairview Road, turn right, and left onto Airway Avenue. The drive takes only about 10 minutes.
Free parking is available throughout 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.
The Loft Dental Studio in Costa Mesa is one of the closest board-certified periodontists offering gum grafting near Tustin. Located at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103, the office is just 10 minutes from most Tustin neighborhoods via the 55 Freeway. Dr. Chanook David Ahn is a board-certified periodontist who performs all types of gum grafts including connective tissue grafts, free gingival grafts, AlloDerm grafts, and the pinhole surgical technique. While some general dentists in Tustin may perform basic grafting, a periodontist offers the full range of techniques and the surgical experience needed for predictable results.
Gum grafting at The Loft Dental Studio typically ranges from $600 to $3,000 per treatment area, depending on the technique used, the number of teeth involved, and the extent of recession. Connective tissue grafts and free gingival grafts are generally less expensive than AlloDerm or pinhole procedures that cover multiple teeth. Many PPO dental insurance plans -- including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, Aetna, UHC, and BCBS -- cover gum grafting under periodontal surgery benefits. Our team verifies your coverage before treatment begins so you understand your estimated out-of-pocket costs.
The best type of gum graft depends on your specific condition. Connective tissue grafts (CTG) are considered the gold standard for root coverage and are ideal for single-tooth or localized recession. Free gingival grafts (FGG) are best for building the width of attached gingiva around teeth or implants that lack adequate tissue. AlloDerm uses donor tissue to avoid a second surgical site and works well for patients who prefer not to harvest from the palate. The pinhole surgical technique is minimally invasive and can treat multiple teeth in a single visit. Dr. Ahn evaluates your recession pattern, tissue thickness, and goals to recommend the most effective approach.
Most patients return to work and light activities within one to two days after gum grafting. The initial healing phase takes about two weeks, during which you follow a soft diet and avoid brushing directly over the graft site. Mild swelling and discomfort are normal and typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication. The graft tissue fully integrates and matures over three to six months, gradually blending with your surrounding gum tissue in color and texture.
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. This training includes hundreds of soft tissue grafting procedures performed under expert supervision. General dentists may offer basic grafting, but periodontists handle the full range of techniques -- CTG, FGG, AlloDerm, pinhole -- and are trained to manage complex cases involving thin tissue, multiple teeth, or recession around dental implants.
Many PPO dental insurance plans cover gum grafting when it is deemed medically necessary to treat gum recession and protect tooth roots. Coverage typically falls under periodontal surgery benefits and can range from 50 to 80 percent of the procedure cost depending on your plan. Insurance carriers we work with regularly include Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, Aetna, UHC, and BCBS. Our administrative team contacts your insurance provider directly to verify your specific benefits before treatment, so you know your estimated out-of-pocket costs upfront with no surprises.