A gingival tissue graft is a periodontal procedure that treats gum recession by moving healthy gum tissue to areas where the gums have thinned or pulled back from the teeth. At Periovital Clinic in Tijuana, Dr. Ilse Lugo, a board-trained periodontist with two decades of focused surgical experience, plans and performs every graft personally. Located minutes from the San Diego border, the clinic makes restoring your gum line straightforward for cross-border patients.
What is Gingival Tissue Graft?
When gums recede, the roots of your teeth become exposed, which can cause sensitivity, raise the risk of root decay, and leave your smile looking uneven. A gingival tissue graft addresses this by adding healthy tissue, usually taken from the palate, over the affected area to rebuild a protective, attractive gum line.
The goal is both functional and aesthetic: protecting the tooth roots while restoring a balanced, natural appearance to your gums. Dr. Lugo evaluates the extent of recession and the health of the surrounding tissue to design a graft suited to your mouth.
The Gingival Tissue Graft procedure: what to expect
The process begins with a thorough evaluation, where Dr. Lugo reviews your dental health, discusses your goals, and uses imaging to assess the structures beneath the gums. On the day of treatment, local anesthesia numbs the area for comfort. Dr. Lugo then harvests a small piece of healthy gum tissue, typically from the palate, and carefully positions it over the recession site so it can integrate with the existing gum tissue. The graft is held in place with sutures to support proper healing and coverage of the exposed roots.
Benefits of Gingival Tissue Graft
- Root protection: covers exposed tooth roots and helps prevent further recession.
- Reduced sensitivity: shields roots that react to hot, cold, and touch.
- Healthier gums: reinforces tissue that defends teeth against disease and decay.
- Improved aesthetics: restores a more even, balanced gum line for a more confident smile.
- Better long-term function: supports overall oral health and the stability of treated teeth.
Am I a candidate for Gingival Tissue Graft?
You may be a good candidate if you have noticeable gum recession, exposed or sensitive tooth roots, thin gum tissue, or an uneven gum line you would like to correct. The best way to know is a clinical evaluation. Periovital Clinic offers a free initial consultation that includes a 3D CBCT scan and a written quote, so Dr. Lugo can confirm whether a graft is right for you with no pressure and no upsell.
Recovery and aftercare
After a gingival tissue graft, mild swelling and discomfort are common and usually settle as the area heals. To support recovery, stick to soft foods for the first several days to avoid irritating the site, keep up gentle oral hygiene while carefully avoiding the surgical area, and attend your follow-up visits so Dr. Lugo can confirm the graft is healing well and answer any questions.
How much does Gingival Tissue Graft cost in Tijuana?
At Periovital Clinic, a gingival tissue graft is priced well below typical US fees, with most patients saving 50 to 70% compared to costs north of the border. You receive a clear, itemized written quote at your free consultation, so you know the full cost before committing to anything. The clinic also provides itemized receipts suitable for FSA and HSA reimbursement.
Why choose Periovital for Gingival Tissue Graft?
Dr. Ilse Lugo is a periodontal specialist who personally plans and performs every graft, drawing on twenty years of focused surgical experience. The clinic sits minutes from the San Diego border and offers a free shuttle from San Diego along with a bilingual English and Spanish coordinator, making the cross-border visit simple. With an in-house dental lab and a patient-first approach, Periovital combines specialist surgical care with the convenience and value that draw patients from across the region.