Gum Graft Surgery in Broomfield and Northglenn, CO
Gum recession exposes the roots of your teeth. It causes sensitivity, accelerates bone loss, and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Gum graft surgery covers those exposed roots and stops the damage.
At Colorado Gum Care, our board-certified periodontists have performed gum graft procedures for patients across North Denver for more than 40 years. We see patients at our Broomfield and Northglenn locations.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Your gum tissue forms a protective seal around each tooth. When that tissue pulls back, the root below your gumline becomes exposed. That is gum recession.
It develops for several reasons:
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Brushing too hard over many years
- Genetics or naturally thin gum tissue
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Orthodontic movement
Early recession often shows up as sensitivity to cold, heat, or sweets. As it progresses, exposed roots become vulnerable to decay. The bone underneath begins to break down. Without treatment, the tooth can eventually be lost.
Gum graft surgery stops that process. It covers the root, protects the bone, and restores a stable gumline.
Types of Gum Graft Procedures
Your periodontist will recommend the technique that fits your anatomy and how much recession has occurred.
Connective Tissue Graft
This is the most common approach. A small piece of tissue is removed from under the surface of the roof of your mouth. It is then placed over the exposed root. The outer layer of the donor site is preserved, so healing is relatively fast.
Free Gingival Graft
Used when the priority is to thicken thin gum tissue. A small section is taken directly from the surface of your palate and attached to the area of recession. This technique works best for patients with naturally thin tissue that is prone to receding.
Pedicle Graft
When enough healthy gum tissue exists next to the recession site, we can reposition that nearby tissue to cover the exposed root. No donor site is needed. This option is only available when adequate adjacent tissue is present.
For a complete overview of each procedure, what to expect during recovery, and long-term outcomes, read our gum grafting guide
A Less Invasive Option: The Pinhole Technique
Some patients with gum recession are candidates for the Pinhole Surgical Technique instead of traditional grafting. This procedure uses a small needle-sized opening to reposition existing gum tissue over exposed roots. There is no cutting, no sutures, and no tissue removed from the palate.
Recovery typically takes 24 to 48 hours. Multiple teeth can be treated in a single visit.
Not every patient qualifies — your periodontist will assess whether the technique is appropriate for your degree of recession during your consultation.
Why See a Periodontist for Gum Grafting?
Periodontists are dental specialists focused on the gum tissue and bone that support teeth. Gum grafting is a core part of what we do — not an occasional procedure.
All five doctors at Colorado Gum Care are board-certified by the American Board of Periodontology. That is the highest credential in periodontics. It requires additional clinical training, examinations, and ongoing education beyond a specialty degree.
If your general dentist has noticed gum recession, they may refer you to a periodontist for evaluation. That is the right call — and we work closely with referring dentists throughout Broomfield, Northglenn, Westminster, and the surrounding area.
Colorado Gum Care was founded in 1986 by Dr. Mark Wheeler. Our team has treated gum recession for patients across North Denver for four decades.
What to Expect at Colorado Gum Care
Your consultation.
We start with a full periodontal exam. We measure recession depths, assess bone levels, and review X-rays. You will leave with a clear treatment plan — which teeth need grafting, which technique suits your anatomy, and what the procedure and recovery will involve.
The procedure.
Most gum graft procedures take one to two hours depending on how many teeth are treated. Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable throughout. IV sedation is available for patients who prefer it.
Recovery.
Most patients return to normal activity within a few days. You will follow a soft food diet for the first week and avoid brushing the graft site directly. Full soft tissue healing takes four to six weeks. Complete integration of the graft continues over several months.
Follow-up.
We schedule a post-operative check at one to two weeks to confirm the graft is healing well. Long-term success depends on regular periodontal maintenance visits, which we will schedule based on your individual needs.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Gum Grafting?
Gum graft surgery is generally treated as a medically necessary procedure when it is documented as treatment for active recession or gum disease. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost.
Colorado Gum Care accepts Aetna, Delta Dental PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, MetLife, and most other major plans. Our team will verify your coverage and walk you through your expected costs before treatment begins.
If you have questions about financing, ask about our options through CareCredit, LendingClub, and Proceed Finance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to address gum recession?
Call our Broomfield office at (303) 469-6375 or our Northglenn office at (303) 457-9617. You can also request a consultation online.