GUM GRAFT
When gums recede and expose the root, teeth feel sensitive, look longer and become prone to root decay. Grafting the missing gum covers the root and thickens the gum.
Surgeon · Dr. Park Dong-Uk (Director, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist)
Connective tissue graft
CTG
Free gingival graft
FGG
Around implants
Soft tissue
GUM RECESSION
Once gums recede, they do not grow back on their own. We correct the cause first, and when needed, restore the gum with a graft.
Hard, side-to-side brushing
Years of rough brushing gradually push thin gums down.
Gum (periodontal) disease
When inflammation shrinks the bone beneath, the gum recedes with it.
Naturally thin gums
People with thin gums and bone develop recession more easily, even with minor irritation.
Tooth position and orthodontic movement
When a tooth sits toward the outer edge of the bone, the gum there becomes thin.
Grinding and clenching
Force concentrated at the neck of the tooth can damage both gum and tooth.
TREATMENT
We choose the tissue and technique based on how far the gum has receded, how thick it is and where it is.
CTG
Connective Tissue Graft
A thin layer of connective tissue is taken from inside the palate and placed beneath the gum. It blends naturally with the surrounding gum with little color difference, so it is mainly used to cover exposed roots.
Used for · Exposed roots · thin gums · front teeth
FGG
Free Gingival Graft
Firm (keratinized) gum from the surface of the palate is transferred. Used when there is too little firm gum around a tooth or implant, so brushing hurts or inflammation keeps returning.
Used for · Lack of keratinized gum · around implants
RC
Root Coverage
The general term for surgery that covers an exposed root with gum again. A flap that moves the surrounding gum up is often combined with a connective tissue graft.
Used for · Sensitive roots · teeth that look long
AROUND IMPLANT
When the gum around an implant is thin or lacks firm tissue, metal can show through and brushing becomes uncomfortable, making inflammation more likely. Grafting soft tissue before or after placement thickens the gum and makes long-term care easier.
Less metal show-through
Thicker gum hides the grey tint of an implant that can show through thin gum.
Comfortable brushing
A band of firm gum means brushing no longer hurts, making care easier.
Preventing peri-implantitis
Strong surrounding gum leaves fewer gaps for bacteria, lowering the risk of inflammation.
The gum line of front teeth
A front-tooth implant that shows when you smile looks natural only when gum height and volume match too.
It can be planned together with implant surgery, or done separately if your gums are uncomfortable after implant treatment elsewhere or here.
About our implant treatmentPROCESS
STEP 01
We check how far the gum has receded, its thickness and the bone beneath — and look for causes such as brushing habits or grinding.
STEP 02
We decide the tissue to graft, the extent and the donor site, and explain the recovery in advance.
STEP 03
Performed under local anesthesia in about an hour. If you are very anxious, it can be done under conscious sedation.
STEP 04
After 1–2 weeks, the stitches are removed and we check that the graft has taken well.
STEP 05
It takes a few months for the grafted gum to become firmly established. We check regularly and guide you on proper brushing.
RECOVERY
For about 1–2 weeks after surgery, you may feel some discomfort at the surgical site and at the donor site on the palate. Most people recover without difficulty by taking the prescribed medication and following our care instructions.
SURGEON
DIRECTOR · ADJUNCT PROFESSOR
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist · Integrated Dentistry Specialist
“The depth of a Seoul National University–trained specialist, with the warmth of caring for family.”
FAQ
We answer every last question, carefully and in full.
When receding gums expose the root so that teeth feel sensitive or look long, or when thin gums around an implant keep getting inflamed, we reinforce the gums with a connective tissue graft (CTG) or root coverage surgery.
LOCATION
Open on public holidays, too
| Mon · Thu (late hours) | 09:30 – 21:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue · Wed · Fri | 09:30 – 18:30 |
| Sat · Public holidays | 09:30 – 14:00 |
| Lunch break (weekdays) | 13:00 – 14:00 |
| Sunday | Closed |
Open until 9 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, and until 2 p.m. on Saturdays and public holidays. Closed on Sundays.
KEEP WHAT'S ORIGINAL & NATURAL
Just leave your symptoms and contact details —
the dentist in charge will review them and get back to you.