Do your teeth feel sensitive to cold water, or look longer than they used to? These concerns often lead people to search for gum grafting in Changwon. One possible explanation is gingival recession: the gum margin has moved away from the crown, exposing part of the root. Sensitivity can also come from decay, cracks or tooth wear, so an examination is important.
Can gum grafting be done without taking tissue from the palate?
Yes, in selected cases. A collagen matrix can be used instead of harvesting connective tissue from the roof of the mouth. This case at Hana Dental involved root-coverage surgery with a collagen matrix and no palatal tissue harvest. Suitability depends on the recession defect and surrounding tissues; complete coverage is not achievable in every case.
Why do gums recede?
Recession can make roots sensitive and change the apparent length of a tooth. Several factors may contribute, rather than one single cause:
- Repeated brushing trauma: forceful scrubbing along the gumline is a habit worth reviewing.
- Thin gum tissue and tooth position: the relationship between a tooth, its bone support and the overlying gum affects treatment planning.
- Periodontal inflammation: the health of the supporting tissues must be assessed.
- Changes around orthodontic treatment: tooth movement and tissue thickness should be considered together, especially with a thin gum phenotype. Having braces does not automatically cause recession.
For the relationship between tooth movement, tissue characteristics and recession, see this systematic review of orthodontic movement and gingival recession.
The case: before surgery and at six weeks
The images below show the same case before treatment and six weeks after surgery. Exposed root surfaces are visible before treatment. At six weeks, the gum margin has changed position and less of the root surface is visible. Photographs alone cannot establish an exact percentage of root coverage, tissue thickness or a change in sensitivity.
Assess the recession pattern
Beyond the visible root exposure, an examination should assess inflammation, tissue between the teeth, gum thickness and daily habits. These findings help determine whether surgery is appropriate and how much coverage is realistic.
Support the tissue without a palatal donor site
A collagen matrix was used in this case. The gum tissue was positioned over the exposed roots and secured with sutures for early stability. No tissue was harvested from the palate.
Review early changes
The follow-up image documents the gum margin and reduced visible root exposure. Tissue colour and contour may continue to change during healing, making further review important.
Protect the healing tissue
Reviews may be planned around the first one to two weeks and again around three months, adjusted to the patient. These are general examples, not documented two-week or three-month visits for this case.
View the immediate postoperative photograph — includes sutures
Collagen matrix versus a connective tissue graft
A connective tissue graft usually uses the patient’s own tissue from the palate. A collagen matrix is a scaffold used to support tissue healing and may be an alternative in selected cases. The material and surgical approach are chosen after examination; its source and relevant precautions should also be discussed when appropriate.
Avoiding a palatal wound does not mean the treatment is always better or equivalent. A 36-month follow-up of a multicentre randomised trial did not establish non-inferiority of the studied collagen matrix to connective tissue grafting for root coverage. That study concerns particular materials and techniques, not every product or patient. Expected coverage, tissue thickness and the burden of recovery should be weighed together. Read the 36-month clinical study.
Root-coverage procedures may help reduce sensitivity and improve appearance, but outcomes vary with the defect and its cause. See the American Academy of Periodontology’s patient guide to gum graft surgery.
Is this the same as Pinhole gum surgery?
A collagen matrix is a material; Pinhole refers to a surgical approach. A procedure is not automatically Pinhole surgery simply because it avoids palatal harvesting. This case is described here by its confirmed treatment: collagen-matrix root-coverage surgery without a palatal donor site. Connective tissue grafting, substitute materials and a Pinhole approach are different considerations in an individual treatment plan.
Dr. Hosan Park, who treated this case, completed periodontal training at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology (ABP) and a Chao Pinhole-certified provider. That background informs an assessment of the tissues and tooth-preservation options, rather than choosing a procedure solely by its name. Credentials do not guarantee an individual outcome.
How is gum grafting different from 4S gum care?
4S gum care focuses on periodontal inflammation and disease management. The surgery discussed here addresses recession, exposed roots and the surrounding soft tissue. One does not replace the other; inflammation may need to be controlled before considering root coverage. Visit our gum grafting treatment page in English for a broader explanation of treatment options.
Gum grafting in Changwon: frequently asked questions
Can receding gums grow back with better brushing?
Gentler brushing and inflammation control are important for limiting further damage, but established recession does not predictably return to its original height. Monitoring, non-surgical care or surgery may be considered depending on progression, symptoms and root exposure.
Does every gum graft require tissue from the palate?
No. A collagen matrix may be an option, as in this case. A connective tissue graft can still be more appropriate in other situations. The choice depends on the recession pattern and the surrounding tissues.
Is collagen-matrix surgery painless?
It avoids discomfort from a palatal harvest site, but pain, swelling and bleeding can still occur at the surgical site. Other possible risks include infection, incomplete root coverage, differences in tissue colour or contour, and recurrent recession.
Will sensitivity to cold water disappear completely?
Covering exposed roots may help, but complete relief cannot be guaranteed. Other causes, including decay, cracks and tooth wear, should also be assessed.
Is healing complete after six weeks?
Six weeks is an early review point. Tissue maturation and changes can continue, and long-term stability requires follow-up. Advice on brushing, food, exercise and review appointments should come from the treating clinician.
What is assessed during a gum graft consultation in Changwon?
The examination considers recession depth and extent, tissue between the teeth, inflammation, gum thickness, tooth position and brushing habits. Discuss realistic coverage, graft options, costs and the recovery plan before choosing treatment.
Preserve first, rather than extract first
A tooth that looks longer does not automatically need extraction. At Hana Dental, the starting point is to evaluate its supporting tissues and consider ways to preserve it. Tooth preservation means carefully assessing appropriate options—not promising that every tooth can be saved.
Explore gum grafting at Hana Dental →
Hana Dental Clinic · 2F, Sangnam Officetel, 648 Woni-daero, Seongsan-gu, Changwon, South Korea
Appointments: +82-55-266-2833
This article provides general information and an individual clinical example, not a personal diagnosis. Images document the preoperative, immediate postoperative and six-week stages. Differences in lighting, angle and lip retraction may affect comparison. Results and recovery times vary between patients.