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Gum Grafting in Tinley Park, IL

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Receding gums expose the sensitive roots of your teeth, making them vulnerable to decay, temperature sensitivity, and eventual tooth loss. Left untreated, gum recession tends to worsen over time, making early intervention one of the most important decisions you can make for your smile.

At North Creek Dental Care, board-certified periodontist Dr. Charles H. Goodman performs gum grafting procedures to restore lost gum tissue and protect exposed roots. Our periodontist in Tinley Park offers this treatment to patients throughout the Southland area, and North Creek Dental Care is a proud two-time Southland’s Best Dental Office winner for 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Complimentary Consultations Available

Restore Receding Gums with a Board-Certified Periodontist in Tinley Park

Dr. Charles Goodman DDS MS performs gum grafting at North Creek Dental Care -- covering exposed roots, reducing sensitivity, and restoring your gum line without an outside referral.

  • Board-certified periodontist -- 25+ years of specialty experience
  • Connective tissue and free gingival grafts available in-house
  • Most PPO insurance accepted -- financing available
Request a Consultation(708) 532-4131
Gum grafting consultation at North Creek Dental Care in Tinley Park
Patient smiling during a dental exam at North Creek Dental Care

What Causes Gum Recession

Gum recession develops gradually and often goes unnoticed until the root becomes visibly exposed. Common causes include periodontal disease, overly aggressive brushing, thin gum tissue, tobacco use, and genetic factors.

~50%Of adults age 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — gum recession is one of its most common signs.
Dental treatment technology used during a gum grafting consultation

Types of Gum Grafting Procedures

Dr. Goodman selects the graft technique that best fits your specific pattern of recession, including:

  • Connective tissue graft, which uses tissue from beneath the surface of the palate to cover exposed roots
  • Free gingival graft, which uses a thin layer of tissue from the palate to thicken thin gum tissue
  • Acellular dermal matrix graft, which uses processed donor tissue when a second surgical site is not preferred
Patient receiving gum grafting treatment at North Creek Dental Care

What to Expect During Your Procedure and Recovery

Gum grafting is performed under local anesthesia in a single office visit. Dr. Goodman makes a small incision to create a pocket for the graft, positions the tissue over the area of recession, and secures it with sutures. Most patients experience mild discomfort and swelling that is managed with over-the-counter pain relief, and a soft food diet is recommended for the first several days. Full healing of the grafted tissue typically takes about six weeks.

Comfortable dental treatment environment at North Creek Dental Care

Benefits of Treating Gum Recession Early

Gum grafting reduces the tooth sensitivity caused by exposed roots, protects the tooth from further decay, and restores a more even, proportional gum line. Addressing recession before it progresses also helps prevent the additional bone and tissue loss that can come with advanced periodontal disease, which is why an early periodontal evaluation matters as soon as you notice a change in your gum line.

Catch It Before It Advances

What to Do if You Notice Receding Gums

If you notice a tooth that looks longer than it used to, increased sensitivity to hot or cold, or a visible change in your gum line, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Goodman before the recession advances further. In some early cases, scaling and root planing may be enough to stabilize the area, while more advanced recession benefits from grafting or guided tissue regeneration to rebuild what has been lost.

Schedule Your Evaluation
Happy senior couple enjoying time together after protecting their gum health

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is generally comfortable because it is performed under local anesthesia. Most patients experience mild soreness or swelling for a few days afterward, which is managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
Full healing of the grafted tissue typically takes about six weeks, though most patients return to their normal routine within a few days. Dr. Goodman will give you specific aftercare instructions based on the type of graft performed.
Dr. Goodman selects the technique that best fits your recession pattern and comfort level, including connective tissue grafts, free gingival grafts, and grafts using processed donor tissue that avoid a second surgical site.
Gum recession does not reverse on its own and tends to worsen without treatment. Early cases may be stabilized with scaling and root planing, while more established recession typically requires gum grafting to restore the lost tissue.
No referral is needed. You can schedule a periodontal evaluation directly with Dr. Goodman to determine whether gum grafting is right for your level of recession.
Many PPO dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for gum grafting when it is medically necessary to protect tooth and root health. Our team can help verify your specific benefits, and we also accept CareCredit, Proceed Finance, and HSA and FSA accounts.

Schedule Your Gum Grafting Consultation at North Creek Dental Care

Dr. Goodman’s board certification in periodontology and his memberships in the American Academy of Periodontology and Midwest Society of Periodontology give our gum grafting patients confidence that they are receiving care from one of the most qualified specialists in the region. Contact our office today to schedule your gum grafting consultation and take the first step toward protecting your teeth and gum line.

Child smiling during pediatric dental visit at North Creek Dental Care in Tinley Park

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