Gum Grafting & Recession Treatment in Tribeca
Gum grafting covers exposed roots, eases sensitivity and brings your gumline back into balance.
Gum grafting is a minor periodontal procedure that adds tissue where the gums have receded, covering exposed roots and thickening thin gums. Receding gums leave part of the tooth root exposed. Roots are more sensitive and more prone to decay than enamel, and recession can make teeth look longer or uneven. Once gum tissue is lost, it doesn’t grow back by itself.
Gum grafting adds healthy tissue where the gum has thinned or pulled back. Dr. Toscano uses tissue from your palate or donor material, matched to what each area needs.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nicholas Toscano, DDS, MS, board-certified periodontist · Updated October 2026
Is this for you?
- Your gums are receding or your teeth look longer
- Sensitivity to cold near the gumline
- You can see or feel exposed roots
- Thin gum tissue that keeps pulling back
- An uneven gumline you’d like to even out
- You’re planning veneers or crowns and want a healthy frame first
What to expect
- 01
Consultation
Dr. Toscano measures the recession, checks the thickness of your gums and looks for what is causing it, such as hard brushing, grinding or gum disease.
- 02
Your graft plan
Together you decide on the graft type, using your own tissue or donor material, and which teeth to treat.
- 03
Grafting visit
With the area numbed, the graft is placed over the exposed root and secured with fine stitches. Sedation is available if you’d like it.
- 04
Healing and follow-up
Most patients are comfortable within one to two weeks. We check the site as it heals and share simple care steps for home.
Why Empower Your Smile
Board-certified periodontal care
Dr. Toscano is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and trained at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School, with 13 years of service in the US Navy.
Planned with your smile in mind
Because Dr. Toscano works alongside Dr. Moezinia, your gumline is planned to suit any cosmetic work you have now or later.
Easy on nerves and budget
Sedation options help anxious patients relax. We’re in network with Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, Guardian, MetLife and Anthem PPOs, and accept CareCredit.
Why gum health matters for veneers and implants
Veneers, crowns and implants look their best inside a healthy, even gumline. If the gums keep receding, the edges of new work can show over time.
Treating recession first gives cosmetic work a stable frame, which is why Dr. Toscano and Dr. Moezinia plan these steps together.
Questions, answered
Something else on your mind? Call us at (212) 274-8338.
Can receding gums grow back?
Gum tissue that has receded doesn’t grow back by itself. Good home care can help slow further recession. To cover exposed roots, a gum graft is usually the most reliable option.
Is gum grafting painful?
The area is fully numbed during treatment. Afterward, most patients describe soreness that is manageable with over-the-counter pain relief, especially if tissue was taken from the palate. Using donor material can mean less discomfort since there is no second site.
How long does it take to recover from a gum graft?
Most people return to normal routines within a day or two and feel comfortable within one to two weeks. You’ll eat soft foods and avoid brushing the graft at first. Full healing takes a little longer, and we’ll check in along the way.
What causes gum recession?
Common causes include gum disease, brushing too hard, grinding, thin gum tissue and a tight frenum pulling on the gums. Finding the cause helps protect the graft once it heals.
Will a gum graft help with sensitive teeth?
Often, yes. Covering an exposed root shields it from cold and touch, so many patients notice less sensitivity once the area heals.
You may also consider
Gum Disease TreatmentCalm, step-by-step care that helps bring gum disease under control and protects the teeth you have, led by board-certified periodontist Dr. Nicholas Toscano.
Gingivectomy & FrenectomySmall, precise gum procedures that make your gums easier to care for and your smile more balanced.
Gummy Smile TreatmentGummy smile treatment in NYC that finds the real cause first, then rebalances your gums and teeth so your smile shows more of you.
Come say bonjour.
35A Walker Street, in the heart of Tribeca, one block south of Canal Street.
Subway: Canal St (A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, J, Z and 6) and Franklin St (1), each a few minutes on foot. Just south of SoHo, and a short walk from Hudson Square, Chinatown and City Hall.
| Mon, Tue, Thu | 8 am – 6 pm |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | 9 am – 6 pm |
| Friday | 9 am – 2 pm |
| Sat – Sun | Closed |