If you’ve been told you need a gum graft, there are two main approaches: a traditional connective tissue graft, which uses tissue taken from the roof of your mouth, and an AlloDerm graft, which uses processed donor tissue so nothing needs to be harvested from your palate. Both are effective at covering exposed roots and stopping further recession — the right one depends on how much tissue you need, your anatomy, and your comfort with a second surgical site.
Once gum recession has progressed far enough, scaling and root planing or a laser procedure like LANAP® may not be enough on their own — the exposed root needs to be covered with new tissue. That’s what a gum graft does, and there’s more than one way to do it.
Traditional Connective Tissue Grafting
A traditional graft takes a small amount of connective tissue from the roof of your mouth (the palate) and places it over the area of recession. It’s been the gold standard for decades because it uses your own tissue, which integrates predictably and has a long track record of success. Read more about this approach on our connective tissue grafting page.
The tradeoff: it involves a second surgical site — the palate — which means an additional area to manage during recovery, though it typically heals without lasting sensation changes.
AlloDerm Grafting
AlloDerm uses specially processed donor tissue matrix instead of tissue taken from your own palate. It’s placed over the recession site the same way a traditional graft would be, but without a second surgical site to heal from. Full details are on our AlloDerm page.
The tradeoff: because it’s donor tissue rather than your own, some patients prefer to know more about the source and processing before choosing this route — we’re happy to walk through exactly how AlloDerm is prepared at your consultation.
How the Two Compare
Number of surgical sites. Traditional grafting involves two sites (the palate and the recession area); AlloDerm involves only one.
Recovery. AlloDerm recovery is often described as more comfortable in the first week or two, largely because there’s no palate wound to manage alongside the graft site.
Tissue source. Traditional grafting uses your own tissue; AlloDerm uses processed donor tissue matrix.
Best suited for. Traditional grafting is often preferred for larger areas of recession needing thicker tissue. AlloDerm is a strong option for patients who want to avoid a second surgical site, are treating multiple areas at once, or are having a graft placed alongside another procedure, like implant preparation.
What to Expect During Recovery (Either Approach)
Most patients experience some swelling and tenderness for the first few days, manageable with over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief. Soft foods are recommended for the first week or two, and normal brushing at the graft site is paused in favor of the specific rinse and hygiene instructions we provide. Full tissue integration typically takes several weeks, with the gum tissue continuing to mature and settle over the following months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which graft type is right for me? It depends on how much tissue is needed, where the recession is, and your preference around a second surgical site. We’ll recommend a specific approach after examining your gums.
Is AlloDerm safe? Yes. AlloDerm tissue is processed and screened specifically for use in surgical procedures, and it’s been used in periodontal and reconstructive surgery for years.
Does insurance cover gum grafting? Coverage varies by plan and by why the graft is medically necessary. Our team can help verify your specific benefits before treatment.
How long until I see final results? Initial healing takes a few weeks, but the gum tissue continues to mature for several months before you see the final, settled result.
Talk to a Periodontist About Which Graft Is Right for You
Contact us to schedule a consultation at our Reno office. Our board-certified periodontists can evaluate your gum recession and recommend whether a traditional graft or AlloDerm is the better fit for your case.
