Gum graft surgery, also known as periodontal plastic surgery, is a procedure that adds tissue to areas of gum recession to cover exposed tooth roots, restore the gum line, and protect the teeth. At Periovital Clinic in Tijuana, periodontist Dr. Ilse Lugo performs gum graft surgery using microsurgical techniques to halt recession and improve both health and appearance for patients crossing the border from San Diego.
What is Gum Graft Surgery?
Gum graft surgery is an advanced treatment for gum recession, the condition in which the gums pull back and leave tooth roots exposed. By placing healthy tissue over the affected areas, the procedure rebuilds the gum line, covers exposed roots, and reinforces the tissue supporting the teeth. There are several techniques: the connective tissue graft, considered the gold standard, takes tissue from the palate and positions it over the exposed roots, while free gingival grafts and pedicle grafts offer alternative approaches for specific cases.
Dr. Lugo evaluates the extent of recession and the contributing factors to recommend the most appropriate grafting technique for your situation.
The Gum Graft Surgery procedure: what to expect
Your treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your gum health, where Dr. Lugo measures the recession, identifies what is driving it, and uses advanced imaging to plan a precise surgical approach. The surgery itself is performed under local anesthesia in the clinic's surgical suite, using microsurgical instruments and magnification for minimal tissue manipulation and enhanced accuracy. When appropriate, platelet-rich fibrin therapy is incorporated to support healing. The procedure typically takes between one and two hours, depending on how many sites are treated and the technique used.
Benefits of Gum Graft Surgery
- Stops recession: halts the progression of receding gums and stabilizes the gum line.
- Protects roots: covers exposed root surfaces and shields them from decay.
- Less sensitivity: reduces the tooth sensitivity that exposed roots often cause.
- Stronger support: reinforces the tissue surrounding and supporting your teeth.
- Improved appearance: restores a fuller, healthier-looking gum line and enhances smile confidence.
Am I a candidate for Gum Graft Surgery?
You may be a candidate if you have noticeable gum recession, exposed or sensitive tooth roots, or a gum line that has worn down and left teeth looking longer than they should. The right technique depends on how much recession is present and what is causing it. At your free consultation, Dr. Ilse Lugo reviews your 3D CBCT scan and examines the affected areas to confirm whether gum graft surgery is right for you and which grafting approach fits your case best.
Recovery and aftercare
Recovery from gum graft surgery is supported by detailed home-care instructions, including proper oral hygiene techniques and dietary recommendations. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, while complete healing occurs over several weeks. The Periovital team stays in close contact during recovery to monitor how the graft is integrating and to address any concerns, with a structured follow-up protocol of check-ups that confirm the tissue is healing as expected.
How much does Gum Graft Surgery cost in Tijuana?
Gum graft surgery in Tijuana costs well below typical US and Canadian prices, with most patients saving 50 to 70% compared with care at home. Because the fee depends on the grafting technique and the number of sites treated, Dr. Lugo provides transparent, itemized pricing in a written quote at your free consultation, with no pressure and no upsell. Periovital also provides itemized receipts you can submit for FSA or HSA reimbursement.
Why choose Periovital for Gum Graft Surgery?
At Periovital, gum graft surgery is planned and performed personally by Dr. Ilse Lugo, a board-trained periodontist with two decades of focused surgical experience, using microsurgical techniques and advanced imaging for precise, predictable results. An in-house dental lab supports your wider treatment when needed. Built for dental tourism Mexico, the clinic offers a free shuttle from San Diego, a bilingual English and Spanish coordinator, and a location minutes from the border, making this specialized periodontal care near San Diego straightforward and reassuring.