Soft Tissue Grafting

All Your Dental Needs In One Place

Restore Your Gum Health, Comfort & Smile Confidence

Soft tissue grafting (also known as gum grafting or gingival grafting) is a highly effective procedure used to treat gum recession, protect your teeth, and improve the appearance of your smile. When gum tissue recedes, the roots of your teeth become exposed – leading to tooth sensitivity, increased risk of decay, and cosmetic concerns.

At South County Smiles, we provide advanced, minimally invasive soft tissue grafting using the tunneling technique, allowing for predictable, natural-looking results with enhanced patient comfort.

Before & After

Meet Our Exclusive Soft Tissue Grafting Provider: Dr. Joseph Zarrella

With an extensive background in advanced periodontal procedures, Dr. Joseph Zarrella brings a refined, minimally invasive approach to soft tissue grafting. He has trained directly under Dr. Edward P. Allen, the pioneer of the tunneling technique, giving him specialized expertise in treating gum recession with precision and predictability. His focused training allows him to deliver effective, natural-looking results while prioritizing patient comfort.

Dr. Zarrella’s approach combines clinical skill with a deep understanding of gum aesthetics and function, ensuring each procedure supports both long-term oral health and an improved smile. His experience with modern grafting techniques allows him to treat multiple areas efficiently while maintaining a gentle, patient-centered experience.

Why Is Soft Tissue Grafting Needed?

Gum recession and loss of healthy tissue can occur for several reasons, and treatment is often recommended to protect both your oral health and your smile. Common reasons for soft tissue grafting include:

Cosmetic concerns: Receding gums can make teeth appear longer or uneven, affecting your smile aesthetics
Loss of keratinized tissue: A lack of firm, protective gum tissue can make it difficult to maintain long-term gum and tooth health
Root protection: Exposed roots are more vulnerable to wear, decay, and further recession
Cold sensitivity: Exposed root surfaces are more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures

Soft tissue grafting helps cover exposed roots, thicken gum tissue, and restore a healthy, stable gumline, improving both comfort and appearance.

Our Advanced Approach: Minimally Invasive Tunneling Technique

At South County Smiles, we utilize the minimally invasive tunneling technique, a modern approach to soft tissue grafting. Unlike traditional gum grafting methods, this technique: Requires no large incisions or flap surgery Preserves the natural gum architecture Allows treatment of multiple teeth in a single procedure Promotes excellent blood supply and healing During the procedure, a small “tunnel” is created beneath the gum tissue, and graft material is carefully positioned underneath to restore thickness and coverage. This advanced technique has evolved to provide greater comfort, improved healing, and highly predictable results.

No Palatal Harvesting — A More Comfortable Experience

One of the most significant advantages of our approach is the use of donor tissue (allograft) rather than harvesting tissue from the roof of your mouth.

This means:

No second surgical site
Less post-operative discomfort
Faster, more comfortable recovery
Reduced bleeding and swelling

Donor tissue is safely processed and widely used in modern periodontal procedures, allowing us to achieve excellent clinical outcomes while prioritizing your comfort.

Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)

We also incorporate Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) to enhance healing and improve outcomes. PRF is a natural, regenerative material created from a small sample of your own blood, which is processed to concentrate healing factors and growth proteins. When used during soft tissue grafting, PRF helps accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and support better tissue integration — leading to more comfortable recovery and optimal results.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Grafting

Covers exposed tooth roots
Reduces tooth sensitivity
Improves smile aesthetics
Strengthens and thickens gum tissue
Helps prevent further gum recession
Supports long-term oral health

What to Expect

Soft tissue grafting is typically completed in a single visit using local anesthesia. Thanks to our minimally invasive techniques, most patients experience:

Minimal discomfort
Quick recovery time
Noticeable improvement in both function and appearance

Our team will provide personalized post-operative instructions to ensure optimal healing and long-term success.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you are experiencing gum recession, sensitivity, or concerns about your smile, soft tissue grafting may be the ideal solution. At South County Smiles, we combine advanced periodontal techniques with a patient-first approach to deliver exceptional results with minimal discomfort.

Ready to explore the benefits of Soft Tissue Grafting at South County Smiles? Call us today at 401-783-1530 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Zarrella.