Gum Grafting and Augmentation in Dubai

Gum recession is one of the most underestimated dental problems. When the gum tissue around a tooth pulls back - exposing the root surface beneath - most patients notice the sensitivity or the change in appearance long before they understand what is causing it or what can be done about it. Left untreated, recession continues to progress, leaving roots vulnerable to decay, increasing sensitivity, and ultimately compromising the long-term survival of the tooth.

Gum grafting is the only treatment that restores lost gum tissue permanently. At Vilafortuny, gum grafting and augmentation procedures are performed by our specialist periodontal team using the tunnel technique - a minimally invasive, highly predictable approach that avoids incisions, preserves the tissue between teeth, and produces natural-looking results with significantly less post-operative discomfort than traditional methods.

Tunnel technique used as standard - no incisions, faster healing, better aesthetics
Dual clinical and cosmetic outcomes - health and appearance restored together
Since 2006 specialist periodontal care trusted by Dubai patients
Why Gum Recession Needs to Be Treated

Gum recession does not resolve on its own. The tissue that has been lost will not return without surgical intervention - and without treatment, recession tends to continue progressing. Understanding what is at stake helps explain why early treatment is always preferable to watching and waiting.

Root exposure and decay risk

Unlike enamel, root cementum is soft and highly susceptible to decay. Exposed roots decay significantly faster than the crown of the tooth and are much harder to treat once affected.

Sensitivity

Exposed root surfaces lack the enamel protection of the crown, making them acutely sensitive to cold, heat, sweet foods, and touch - often affecting eating, drinking, and quality of daily life.

Progressive bone loss

Gum recession and bone loss are frequently linked. As the gum recedes, the underlying bone support often diminishes too - increasing the long-term risk of tooth loss if untreated.

Aesthetics

Receding gums make teeth appear longer and the smile uneven. This affects confidence - particularly when recession occurs at the front of the mouth where it is most visible.

Implant and restoration risk

Insufficient gum tissue around implants and restorations increases the risk of peri-implantitis and long-term failure. Augmentation before or alongside implant placement protects the investment.

Continued progression

Without addressing the cause and restoring the tissue, recession continues. What is manageable with a single graft today may require more complex treatment in two years.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Recession has multiple causes - and identifying the underlying reason is an essential part of treatment planning at Vilafortuny. Treating the graft without addressing the cause risks future recession at the same or adjacent sites.

  • Aggressive brushing - using too much pressure or a hard-bristle brush abrades the gum tissue over time, particularly on the outer surfaces of the front teeth
  • Periodontal disease - bacterial infection destroying the gum and bone attachment around teeth, causing recession as the tissue is lost
  • Thin gum biotype - some patients naturally have a very thin band of keratinised gum tissue, making recession more likely even with good oral hygiene
  • Tooth position - teeth that are positioned outside the arch or significantly forward in the jaw have less bone and gum support on the outer surface
  • Orthodontic treatment - teeth moved rapidly or outside the bounds of available bone can develop recession during or after treatment
  • Bruxism and occlusal overload - grinding and heavy bite forces can contribute to gum recession, particularly at specific teeth that bear disproportionate load
  • Piercings and ill-fitting dentures - chronic mechanical irritation from lip or tongue piercings, or poorly fitting removable appliances, can cause localised recession
The Tunnel Technique - Our Approach at Vilafortuny

Vilafortuny uses the closed pouch tunnel technique for gum grafting - a more advanced approach than traditional open flap surgery, and one that delivers consistently superior aesthetic and clinical outcomes.

Traditional technique Open Flap Surgery

Incisions are made along the gum to create a flap, which is peeled back to access the recession site. The graft is stitched in place and the flap closed. Effective, but associated with more visible scarring, higher risk of papilla loss (the triangular tissue between teeth), and a more uncomfortable recovery.

Vilafortuny standard Tunnel Technique

A small tunnel is created beneath the gum surface without releasing the critical papillae between teeth. The graft material is threaded through and positioned precisely at the recession site. No visible incisions. Vascularity is maintained throughout, optimising graft survival and tissue integration. Fewer complications, better aesthetics, faster healing.

Graft material

In most cases, graft material is taken from the palate (roof of the mouth) - a connective tissue graft that provides the most predictable, natural-looking result. In appropriate cases, processed collagen-based allograft material can be used as an alternative, eliminating the palatal donor site entirely. Your periodontist will discuss the most suitable option for your specific case at your consultation.

What to Expect
01
Consultation and Assessment

Your periodontist assesses the extent and cause of recession, measures the width and thickness of existing gum tissue, and reviews any relevant X-rays. The most appropriate grafting technique and donor site are discussed, along with a realistic expectation of coverage and the number of sessions likely to be required.

02
Anaesthesia

Local anaesthesia is administered to both the recession site and, where applicable, the donor site on the palate. The area is fully numb before any work begins. The procedure itself is comfortable - most patients report only slight pressure sensations during surgery.

03
Graft Harvesting and Placement

A small quantity of connective tissue is taken from the palate. Using the tunnel technique, a pouch is created beneath the gum at the recession site and the graft material is carefully positioned and secured without visible incisions at the treatment site. Multiple adjacent recession areas can often be treated in a single session.

04
Recovery and Follow-Up

Detailed aftercare instructions are provided before you leave. Most patients experience mild tenderness at both the treatment and donor sites for the first three to five days. Follow-up appointments monitor graft integration and assess root coverage at two weeks, six weeks, and three months post-procedure.

Results
  • Restoration of gum tissue over exposed root surfaces - reducing or eliminating sensitivity
  • Protection of root surfaces from decay and further recession
  • A more natural, even gum line - improving the appearance of the smile
  • Increased width and thickness of keratinised gum tissue around affected teeth
  • A more stable periodontal environment - easier to clean and maintain long-term
  • Protection of adjacent implants or restorations from the complications of thin or absent gum tissue
Indications
  • Visible gum recession at one or more teeth - with or without symptoms
  • Root sensitivity caused by exposed root surfaces
  • Thin gum tissue with a high risk of future recession - preventive augmentation before problems arise
  • Recession around dental implants or restorations requiring gum protection
  • Pre-orthodontic augmentation where tooth movement is planned through an area of thin or absent gum tissue
  • Recession affecting the aesthetics of the smile - particularly in the front of the mouth

Contraindications and Considerations

  • Active periodontal disease must be fully treated before gum grafting is performed - grafting into an infected environment will not succeed
  • Smoking significantly impairs graft healing and reduces the predictability of root coverage - cessation is strongly recommended before and after the procedure
  • Uncontrolled systemic conditions - including uncontrolled diabetes - must be stabilised before surgery
  • The cause of recession must be identified and addressed alongside the graft - otherwise recession is likely to recur at the same site
Before and After Your Procedure

Before Surgery

  • Stop smoking as far in advance as possible - ideally at least two weeks before surgery
  • Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen for at least one week before the procedure unless prescribed - these affect bleeding and graft healing
  • Eat a light meal before your appointment - the procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia and fasting is not required
  • Inform your periodontist of all medications and any changes to your health since your last visit

After Surgery

  • Apply gentle ice packs to the outside of the face for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling - 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off
  • Take prescribed pain relief and antibiotics as directed - begin taking pain relief before the anaesthetic wears off
  • Do not brush or floss the grafted area for the first two weeks - your periodontist will demonstrate how to clean carefully around it
  • Eat soft, cool foods for the first week - avoid anything hard, crunchy, hot, or spicy near the surgical sites
  • Do not smoke during the healing period - smoking is the most significant modifiable risk factor for graft failure
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for the first week - elevated heart rate increases bleeding risk at the surgical sites
  • Attend all follow-up appointments - graft integration is monitored over several weeks and any adjustments are made during these visits

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gum grafting painful?

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia - you will feel pressure but no pain during the surgery. Mild discomfort and tenderness in the first few days following the procedure is normal and manageable with prescribed pain relief. Most patients find the recovery more comfortable than expected. At Vilafortuny, the tunnel technique is used rather than traditional open flap surgery - which significantly reduces post-operative discomfort and speeds healing.

How long does recovery take after gum grafting?

Most patients are comfortable enough to return to normal activity within two to three days. The graft site typically heals sufficiently within two weeks for normal eating to resume. Full integration of the graft takes around six to eight weeks. Your periodontist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and assess the result.

How long does a dental scan take?

The scan itself takes less than a minute. Including preparation and review, most appointments are completed within 30 to 45 minutes. Your dentist will typically discuss preliminary findings with you the same day.

Can gum grafting be done for cosmetic reasons as well as clinical ones?

Yes - and at Vilafortuny the two frequently go together. Gum recession causes teeth to appear longer and the smile to look uneven. Gum grafting restores a natural gum line, improving both the health and the aesthetics of the smile simultaneously. In some cases, gum augmentation is combined with other cosmetic procedures as part of a broader smile treatment plan.