Gum grafting & recession treatment
in Waupaca
— restore your gum line, protect your roots, and stop recession from progressing
Gum recession exposes root surfaces that weren’t designed to be exposed — leading to sensitivity, increased decay risk, and a smile that looks older than it should. Gum grafting replaces lost tissue, covers exposed roots, and stops recession from progressing further.

Covers exposed root surfaces and stops recession progression permanently

Clinical Indications
Functional Consequences — Beyond How It Looks

Root sensitivity

Root surfaces lack protective outer enamel — exposed roots are highly sensitive to thermal temperature changes, touch forces, and acidic foods. Grafting safely covers the root and eliminates or significantly reduces painful root sensitivity lines.


Root decay risk

Soft root surfaces are far more vulnerable to rapid decay tracks than enamel-covered tooth crowns. Exposed roots accumulate sticky bacterial plaque fields more easily, causing cavities to progress directly toward the nerve.


Recession progresses

Without timely intervention, gum recession rarely stops on its own. Continued tissue recession leads to deeper root exposure, heightened nerve sensitivity, weakened bone support, and eventual tooth loss in severe cases.


Aesthetic impact

Recession naturally makes teeth look abnormally long, uneven, and aged. The historical "long in the tooth" presentation is completely preventable — and highly reversible — with precision microsurgical grafting.


Graft Varieties
Three Proven Soft-Tissue Techniques
“Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity during or after a whitening treatment — this is completely normal and typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. Here is how our team proactively minimizes discomfort:”
Connective tissue graft (CTG)

The global clinical gold standard for predictable root coverage. Tissue is harvested gently from beneath the surface layer of your palate through a microscopic incision, then placed directly at the recession site. Yields the best aesthetic color match.

Free gingival graft (FGG)

Tissue is taken from the top surface layer of the palate and grafted directly to the recession zone. Used primarily to thicken thinned out, vulnerable gum zones and increase the band of attached tissue rather than covering wide root surfaces.

Pedicle graft

Healthy gum tissue immediately adjacent to the recession site is partially detached, rotated across, and secured directly over the exposed root surface. Because it utilizes local tissue, a palatal donor site is entirely avoided.

Which graft is right for you? The appropriate technique depends heavily on your recession location, local tissue thickness, and overall smile goals. We outline our exact recommendations at your consultation.

The Microsurgical Journey
Step-by-Step Treatment Protocol

01

Evaluation & planning

Recession severity, tissue thickness, and root exposure are analyzed. The ideal graft material medium is pre-selected, and donor sites are verified for suitability.


02

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia administered safely at both the recipient site and palatal donor site. Both areas are thoroughly numbed before any tissue treatment begins.


03

Graft placement

Donor tissue is harvested and carefully secured over the exposed roots using human hair-thin micro-sutures. Positioned to maximize blood supply and blend naturally.


04

Healing

The graft integrates fully over 2–4 weeks. Sutures are removed at 1–2 weeks. Final root coverage assessment is documented at your 3-month checkpoint. Palates heal within 2–3 weeks.


Precise gum grafting — to restore your gum line and protect your long-term oral health

In-office grafting procedures

We perform standard soft-tissue grafting entirely in-office — no third-party periodontist referral or unfamiliar clinic visits needed. Your trusted care team manages every phase.

Microsurgical technique focus

We leverage magnification loops, human hair-thin sutures, and delicate instruments to minimize tissue trauma, drastically reduce donor site discomfort, and maximize graft survival rates.

Natural-looking smile results

A beautifully executed connective tissue graft integrates flawlessly with surrounding fields — restoring your thick gum band as if recession never occurred.

Real Patient Feedback

Google reviews

Trusted by local families

4.8 ★★★★★ Google
Marcia Lieske
Marcia Lieske3 months ago
★★★★★

Great experience! Very thorough, friendly & gentle. They provide detailed explanations of procedures and upfront pricing, which I appreciate. I'm confident that I made…

Linda Mueller
Linda Mueller5 months ago
★★★★★

Every time I’m here the entire staff is friendly, helpful, kind and on top of any and all issues. I’ve had Invisalign here 1…

Kathy Baker
Kathy Baker5 months ago
★★★★★

Hygienist, Angela, very thorough, does an excellent job explaining teeth and toothbrush issues. Reminding me to change the electric toothbrush head more often, perhaps…

Linda Kubczak
Linda Kubczak2 months ago
★★★★★

Very sad to see Doctor Lap Nguyen had left sure enjoyed going to have him as a dentist. Have a fill in now till…

Ben Schroeder
Ben Schroeder5 months ago
★★★★★

Great customer service and friendly staff! Outstanding dentist!

Gator G
Gator G3 months ago
★★★★★

Great and helpful always listens to my concerns

Rodney Frankovis
Rodney Frankovis3 months ago
★★★★★

Very good. On time and thorough.

Janet Kitzrow
Janet Kitzrow4 months ago
★★★★★

I had an exam with Dr Nguyen, that was very thorough. I appreciate his comprehensive oral cancer screening and advice

Nancy Anderson
Nancy Anderson3 months ago
★★★★★

I had a wonderful experience. The dental hygienist was very nice and was also encouraging to me and my home care. The dentist was…

Cindy Cate
Cindy Cate1 month ago
★★★★★

I thought she is very kind and gentle! Gave me good advice for future care!

Timothy Lemerand
Timothy Lemerand4 months ago
★★★★★

CRD stands behind its work and products Rarely do you see a company that has such integrity.

Lynn Eberly
Lynn Eberly4 months ago
★★★★★

I had my bottom teeth removed. I had no bruising, swelling or any pain, just some discomfort at times. I would recommend Crystal River…

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Mark Forseth5 months ago
★★★★★

Excellent care in a friendly and professional manner.

Avilomah Ridge
Avilomah Ridge5 months ago
★★★★★

I had dental phobia, but everyone here is so kind, patient and understanding. Dentist does top notch work. They've turned me into a loyal…

Denny Schroeder
Denny Schroeder4 months ago
★★★★★

Always a pleasant experience Thank you

Joel Altenburg
Joel Altenburg5 months ago
★★★★★

I found a diamond of a dentist office in Waupaca, WI . From the reception desk to the dental assistant and more it was…

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John Charleston4 months ago
★★★★★

Professional and sensitive to patients needs.

bonnie banaszak
bonnie banaszak1 month ago
★★★★★

Thank you for getting me in today you made my day.

Jeanine Kes Bode
Jeanine Kes Bode5 months ago
★★★★★

Always on time. Always very friendly.

Randy Thern
Randy Thern4 weeks ago
★★★★★

The cleaning was done in a relatively painless way. The exam was thorough and I was given a reasonable long-term plan for treatment.

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Michael Messing2 weeks ago
★★★★★

The new dentist was very friendly and good and the hygienist was great.

Patrick Kelly
Patrick Kelly4 months ago
★★★★★

They are very friendly an efficient

Nancy Anderson
Nancy Anderson5 months ago
★★★★★

Very happy with the crown Color was perfect and so was the fit.Thank you!

Cindy Roberts
Cindy Roberts4 months ago
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All of the staff are so very friendly. They always get to me on time. They make going to the dentist a nice experience….

Judith Gudex
Judith Gudex4 months ago
★★★★★

Great experience at Crystal River Dental. My Hygienist, Angela did an outstanding job and I really appreciated meeting Dr. Nguyen. Very professional staff and…

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Patricia steinbarth2 months ago
★★★★★

Very competent and friendly people. Angela did a great job cleaning my teeth.

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Dale Hazard5 months ago
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Even being late everyone was pleasant

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Ruth Hanson1 month ago
★★★★★

Very thorough exam and nice people!

Julie Johannes
Julie Johannes3 months ago
★★★★★

Met Hygienist Angela today for the first time. She was extremely thoughtful, thorough and educational. The interim Dentist was equally warm and friendly as…

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Bonita Erdmann3 months ago
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I was very pleased with the staff and Dr. Matte. Thank you.

Lisa Kasner
Lisa Kasner5 months ago
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Crystal River Dental is a very professional and caring establishment. The atmosphere is relaxing. I have personally had great, informative and quality service everytime….

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b c (BC)4 weeks ago
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Dave N
Dave N3 months ago
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Sherry Werner2 months ago
★★★★★

She was awesome. She was concerned and listened to me

Christopher Gudex
Christopher Gudex1 month ago
★★★★★

Very professional and thorough.

Russell Delgado
Russell Delgado5 months ago
★★★★★

A very good dentist and very nice and friendly

Gwynn Schroeder
Gwynn Schroeder3 weeks ago
★★★★★

The appointment was right on time. My cleaning was great without discomfort. Dr. did a check that all was done.

Jim Tomasko
Jim Tomasko4 months ago
★★★★★

Everyone is very polite and helpful. I had to make a last minute appointment because of a broken tooth. They got me in fast…..worked…

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Karen Galske4 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Lap Nguyen was the dentist I saw today, and I was very impressed. I recently moved to Waupaca and needed to find new…

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Sherry Nushart5 months ago
★★★★★

My Hygienist, Angela, was very friendly and thorough. She has nice conversation and lets me answer. You know how hard it is to answer…

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Christine Galyardt3 months ago
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Love the dentist! They are very caring and efficient.

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Chad4 months ago
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It was a great experience, they were very unstanding and very kind.

Darrell Bartel
Darrell Bartel2 months ago
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Amazing Dental Care. From the Receptionist, throughout the whole process, Everyone makes you feel special. Explains everything and great listeners. Thanks for all you…

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Anthony Brzozowski1 month ago
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Had a crown done today, always professional and painless work done by the dentist here at Crystal River Dental ! The staff is always…

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martine mancini3 months ago
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Service was on time and very friendly.

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Karin Nieubuurt5 months ago
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Staff is always upbeat and friendly.

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Jesus isLord2 months ago
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The dentist is very cordial and respectful. I appreciate the care she gives.

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Brenda Sedlar3 months ago
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Darrell Bartel (Flatlineyourbird)2 months ago
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Amazing from when you first walk in the door until you leave. Everyone treats you special and such great care. Explains everything every step…

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dirk williams3 weeks ago
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I had my first visit. I had to miss my first appointment….The staff was very accommodating in rescheduling and meeting my schedule!

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Edward McCardell5 months ago
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Anna Gallegos-Hunt2 months ago
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Dr Nguyen is a very knowledgeable and caring person..he explains options and the why of it all I really like Alicia at the front…

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The receptionists, the hygienist, Nicole and Dr. Nguyen were all very communicative, professional, efficient and friendly. A dental plan was put in place for…

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Steve and Linda4 months ago
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They have always done a great job with my regular teeth cleaning. got same day service for removal of two infected wisdom teeth. Entire…

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Beth Ann Zellmer1 month ago
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Today, I had a cleaning of my teeth at Crystal Dental. The service I received was excellent. The new dentist was thorough completely, as…

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I like Dr. Nyugen my dentist here at Dental Crystal River – Waupaca very professional , smiles and explained procedures he performs. He gave…

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Jan Niemuth2 weeks ago
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Routine 6 mo cleaning and exam today. Punctuality is appreciated. Comfortable, painless procedures done in time alloted with next appointment already scheduled. A real…

Josh Jahnke
Josh Jahnke5 months ago
★★★★★

Doc was great. Got one tooth pulled didn't feel a thing. Doc was very informative about what I needed to do after. Definitely will…

LRSchuelke
LRSchuelke4 weeks ago
★★★★★

Dentist, associates, & all office staff are absolutely awesome. They don’t treat their patients as a number. They all take time to listen &…

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Christal Berg5 months ago
★★★★★

I feel very comfortable there

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Becca Lewis-Clifton4 weeks ago
★★★★★

After starting in 2022, at CRD, I was happy the practice finally settled down with you Dr Jon as the permanent dentist! WELCOME I…

All-Time Greatest Music
All-Time Greatest Music2 months ago
★★★★★

The young lady that cleaned my teeth was very thorough and had a very pleasant personality!

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Pauline Suhs4 months ago
★★★★★

Very kind and efficient. Friendly staff.

Dennis Marten
Dennis Marten3 weeks ago
★★★★★

Very nice, I was totally comfortable. Thanks.

Heather Meyer
Heather Meyer3 months ago
★★★★★

This dentist made me feel BEYOND comfortable! I have never had a dentist so forward, open, and understanding. I left feeling so happy and…

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Dorene Knolle1 month ago
★★★★★

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Debbie Altenburg4 months ago
★★★★★

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Heather Krueger3 months ago
★★★★★

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Kathy Wagner3 months ago
★★★★★

Everything they did was pain free. Thank you

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Bpontzloff Bigboyss2 months ago
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First visit to Crystal River Dental. The staff was very accommodating and helpful.

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Mary Robinson4 months ago
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Tracy Karabelas1 month ago
★★★★★

Love this place & the Dentist! They are efficient, friendly and realistic! They work with you for the best outcomes! Awesome place!

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Vicki Sommers4 months ago
★★★★★

Very friendly and efficient, best dentist I've ever had. Due to exposed roots teeth are very sensitive, but they are so careful.

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Deb Ostrander4 months ago
★★★★★

Jan, their dental hygienist did a fabulous job cleaning my teeth. Very knowledgeable and thorough.

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Mary Lindenmeyer2 weeks ago
★★★★★

You really care about your clients!!! More than the one I had after40 plus years in Waupaca !!! Thank you for caring Mary Lindenmeyer

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Debby Dear2 months ago
★★★★★

I couldn’t be happier with Crystal River Dental. Everyone from the front desk to the dentist and dental staff are warm, friendly, profession and…

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Cindy Buenning4 months ago
★★★★★

As a first time patient, I was very happy with the hygienist and the dentist.

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Barbara4 months ago
★★★★★

I always feel very cared about. 😊 I am cared about as a person compassionately and professionally! 😊

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Mark wheaton4 months ago
★★★★★

Great attention to detail.

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Gary Prochnow2 months ago
★★★★★

I had work done in both Waupaca and Wausau locations over the past year. Doctors and staff were excellent. Worked with me financially to…

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Tami French4 months ago
★★★★★

First experience went awesome & I look forward to my future visits! I broke my tooth and they got me in asap and will…

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Marilyn Lange5 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Nguyen and staff are great. I'm very happy with the excellent care and the efficiency of Crystal River Dental.

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Stephen L Manske3 months ago
★★★★★

I've been really impressed with the service and the quality of work. This visit provides the extra effort I've done has been beneficial.

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Stacy2 months ago
★★★★★

All employees are very nice and listen to ymy issues and explain what needs to be done Angela cleaned my teeth gently and took…

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Cara Frias5 months ago
★★★★★

Friendly, professional, took the time to answer my questions.

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Marlene Germundson4 months ago
★★★★★

The assistants and the doctor are very nice and explains things very well.

Paul Hanneman
Paul Hanneman2 weeks ago
★★★★★

I appreciate their honest work and explanation of what is going on when I get X-rays and progress reports on if anything is changing.

David Golke
David Golke3 months ago
★★★★★

I've been with crystal river for about a year now and they have been nothing but great! I'd recommend them to anyone in the…

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MJB1 month ago
★★★★★

Good experience! Dr.Saad, assistant Lisa, and hygienist Angela have all been very professional and helpful. Receptionist and billing make appointments friendly and easy.

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Joyce Greenholdt4 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Nguyen and all the staff have been friendly, helpful, very skilled, and very good at explaining options and performing procedures w/a minimum of…

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Aaron Mueller1 month ago
★★★★★

Very pleased! As an itinerant substitute dentist she did a fantastic and thorough job.

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Alyssa Schauer3 months ago
★★★★

Dr. B was thorough and I am glad that my son had his chipped tooth filled by him.

Del Volpel
Del Volpel5 months ago
★★★★★

Outstanding care. Professional and compassionate.

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Kay Konen1 month ago
★★★★★

Hygienist was great,and Dr.'s explanation of teeth matters explained throughly.

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Lois Richter3 weeks ago
★★★★★

The staff at Crystal River Dental is very professional, friendly & efficient. I am so happy that I found them.

Emilie Eppensteiner
Emilie Eppensteiner1 month ago
★★★★

I chatted with hygienist and dentist. Both were nice and knowledgeable. I had a filling done. Went good.

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Chuck Wieland4 weeks ago
★★★★★

Tina was excellent in what she was doing with my teeth. Was able to get me in a little earlier the schedule. Never a…

Debra Olsen
Debra Olsen1 month ago
★★★★★

For the first time in my life I am not afraid to go to the dentist. Awesome doc and staff. So thorough and gentle….

doc finn
doc finn1 month ago
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I'm very pleased with the service and the professionalism at Crystal River dental. I felt well informed and very comfortable with the staff and…

Frequently Asked Grafting Questions
Advanced local anesthesia is used across both sites — you will feel mild touch pressure but zero pain during the appointment. Post-operative soreness at the palate donor site for several days is the most common complaint, which is easily managed with standard prescribed or OTC pain relievers.
 
In highly favorable cases, complete 100% root coverage is entirely achievable. In advanced recession scenarios with pre-existing bone loss, partial coverage is standard — which still successfully thickens the tissue band, reduces root sensitivity, and halts further breakdown.
 
Yes. A custom connective tissue graft integrates into surrounding fields over a few months, matching the color depth and texture of your natural gums. Minor coloration variations may exist early on but fade completely during maturation.
 
The main recipient site heals securely over 2 to 4 weeks, while the palate donor site skins over within 2 weeks. Micro-sutures are removed comfortably at your 1-to-2 week follow-up slot, and a final maturity check is completed at 3 months.
 
Coverage depends entirely on your clinical diagnosis. Grafting to treat structural deficiencies or severe recession fields is frequently covered as a major periodontal procedure. Purely cosmetic treatments are typically elective. We directly verify your PPO insurance limits beforehand.
Related services

Scaling & root planing

Treating underlying subgingival infections and plaque biofilms before or alongside grafting is essential — grafts placed on actively infected roots will fail.

Osseous surgery

For patients managing combined bone loss and root exposure, tissue modifications can be coordinated alongside osseous corrections.

Periodontal maintenance

Supportive cleaning therapy every 90 to 120 days protects your graft investment and monitors for any recurrence of recession.

Recession doesn't reverse itself — but we can reverse it for you. Schedule your gum grafting evaluation at Crystal River Dental.