Gum grafting in Palma de Mallorca
A gum graft is a minor surgical procedure that replaces gum lost in areas where it has receded. A small piece of tissue, usually from the palate, is placed over the exposed root to cover it, thicken the gum and protect it in the long term.
It improves the look of your smile, reduces sensitivity and helps stop recession. We carry it out at Udemax Miramar and Emardental, in Palma, and your first visit is free.
The usual donor site for the tissue
Painless during surgery
For initial healing
First visit and diagnosis
Are your gums receding? Book an appointment
We assess the recession, find the cause and explain whether a gum graft is the best solution for your case.
Leave us your details and we will call you back within three hours.
What is a gum graft?
It is a periodontal surgical technique, also known as mucogingival surgery, that transplants tissue from one part of the mouth to another where gum is missing. It is most often taken from the palate and placed over the root of a tooth, or around an implant, where the gum has receded or is too thin.
This covers the exposed root, thickens the gum and leaves the tooth better protected against brushing and chewing. Beforehand, it is important to know why the gum has receded so the cause can be corrected.
When is it recommended?
We consider a gum graft if you have:
- Receding gums that expose the root of the tooth.
- Sensitivity to cold or brushing due to the exposed root.
- Teeth that look longer than normal.
- Very thin gum that keeps receding.
- Too little gum around an implant.
- Recession before or after orthodontic treatment.
On our receding gums page we explain the causes and other treatments.
Types of gum graft
We choose the technique according to the area, the thickness of the gum and how much root needs covering:
Connective tissue graft
The most widely used. A layer of inner tissue is taken from the palate and placed under the gum in the receded area. It achieves the best root coverage and a very natural colour.
Free gingival graft
A thin surface layer is taken from the palate. It is used mainly to gain firm gum when it is very thin or missing, rather than to cover roots in visible areas.
Advanced flap
When there is enough gum next to the recession, it is moved over to cover the root without taking tissue from the palate. It is often combined with a connective tissue graft.
Collagen matrices
In selected cases, a collagen material is used instead of tissue from the palate. It avoids a second wound, although it does not always achieve the same thickness.
What does a gum graft achieve?
Covers the root
It covers the exposed root and gives the tooth back its natural length.
Less sensitivity
By covering the root, sensitivity to cold and brushing usually decreases.
Stops recession
Thicker gum is more resistant and stops receding.
Protects teeth and implants
Firm gum protects against brushing and chewing.
Improves aesthetics
The smile regains the balance between gum and tooth.
Worth bearing in mind
The palate can be sore for a few days, and the whole root cannot always be covered: it depends on the bone between the teeth. We explain this before surgery.
What is gum graft surgery like?
Diagnosis
We measure the recession, the thickness of the gum and the bone, and look for the cause: aggressive brushing, inflammation, tooth position or bite. From this we choose the technique.
Surgery
Under local anaesthetic, we prepare the receded area, take tissue from the palate if needed and secure it with fine stitches. It usually takes one to two hours, depending on the number of teeth.
Recovery
For the first few days you will feel some discomfort, mainly in the palate, which is managed with painkillers. After a week to ten days we remove the stitches, and within a few weeks the gum has healed.
Aftercare following a gum graft
To help the graft take well:
- Don't brush the graft area until we tell you to: use the mouthwash we prescribe.
- Eat soft, lukewarm foods and chew on the other side.
- Don't pull your lip to look at the area: you could move the graft.
- Don't smoke: tobacco is the main reason grafts fail.
- Take the medication we prescribe and attend your check-ups.
- Call us if bleeding does not stop, or if there is severe pain or fever.
Why do gums recede?
The most common causes are brushing too hard, gum disease, naturally thin gums, some orthodontic movements, clenching the teeth, or lip and tongue piercings.
If the cause is not corrected, the gum can recede again. That is why, before the graft, we treat any inflammation, for example with periodontal treatment, and show you how to brush without damaging the gum.
Who will treat you
Gum grafts are carried out by Dr Emilio Martínez-Almoyna Rifá, dentist and surgeon specialising in periodontics and mucogingival surgery.
Where we carry out gum grafts
We provide gum grafts at two of our clinics in Palma: Udemax Miramar and Emardental.
Periodontics
Udemax Miramar
Outpatient department, Hospital Juaneda Miramar
Camí de la Vileta, 30 · 07011 Palma
- Monday to Thursday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Friday
- 9:00–20:00
By car
Paid parking at the Hospital Juaneda Miramar car park, a one-minute walk away, plus street parking. There is also free parking on Camí de la Vileta, about a 10-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy bus
EMT bus routes 6, 8 and 29, stopping at "Policlínica", in front of the hospital.
View bus routeBy taxi
Taxi ranks at Camí de la Vileta, 51 and Carrer de Pasqual Ribot, 1.
Periodontics
Emardental
Carrer d’Alfons el Magnànim, 2, ground floor
Bons Aires · 07004 Palma
- Monday to Thursday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Friday
- 9:00–13:00
By car
Street parking and the Santa Pagesa underground pay car park (Carrer d’Ausiàs March, 26), a 4-minute walk away. There is also a pay car park at s’Escorxador, about a 5-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy bus
EMT bus routes 12, 20, 24 and 40, stopping at "Pl. d’Abú Yahya", "Alfons el Magnànim" or "31 de desembre".
View bus routeBy taxi
Taxi rank at Plaça d’Abú Yahya, 2.
Frequently asked questions about gum grafts
Does a gum graft hurt?
Not during surgery, as it is done under local anaesthetic. Afterwards, the palate is usually the most uncomfortable area for the first few days, and this is managed with painkillers.
How long is the recovery?
Stitches are removed after a week to ten days, and the gum looks healed within two to three weeks. The final result settles over a few months.
Why does the graft look white?
It is normal in the first few days: the surface layer of the graft renews itself while it integrates. Over the following days it takes on the pink colour of the gum.
What complications can there be?
The usual effects are discomfort, swelling and slight bleeding from the palate in the first few days. It is uncommon for the graft not to take fully, especially if you don’t smoke and follow the aftercare.
Can a gum graft be done without surgery?
There is no graft without surgery. In some cases collagen matrices can be used instead of the palate, avoiding a second wound, but it is still a minor procedure.
How long does the result last?
If the cause of the recession is corrected and good hygiene is maintained, the result is stable in the long term.
Can it be done around an implant?
Yes. Gaining firm gum around an implant protects it and improves its appearance. We coordinate this with our implant dentistry team.
How much does a gum graft cost in Palma?
It depends on the technique and the number of teeth. At your free first visit we give you a detailed quote, and you can finance your treatment.