Teeth that look longer than they used to
Gum Grafting & Soft Tissue Surgery
Receding gums don’t grow back on their own — but in many cases they can be repaired. Gum grafting rebuilds lost gum tissue to cover exposed roots, reduce sensitivity and restore a natural, healthy gum line.
Soft tissue surgery at Seapoint is carried out by Dr. Vaidas Varinauskas, a registered specialist oral surgeon.
Recession is more than cosmetic
The root surface it exposes is softer than enamel, more prone to decay and wear, and once gum tissue is lost it does not regenerate by itself. Treating the cause early — and rebuilding tissue where it’s needed — protects your teeth for the long term.
What gum grafting involves
Gum grafting rebuilds the gum line by adding healthy tissue where it has been lost. Depending on your case, this may use a small amount of your own tissue (usually from the roof of the mouth) or a processed grafting material, placed precisely where coverage is needed.
At your consultation, Dr. Varinauskas will first identify why your gums receded — brushing habits, gum disease, grinding, or thin tissue you were simply born with — because treating the cause is what makes the repair last. He’ll then explain whether grafting is suitable for you, what result you can realistically expect, and what the alternatives are, including monitoring without surgery.
The procedure itself is typically completed in a single visit of around 60–90 minutes under local anaesthetic. Most patients are back to normal routines within a few days, with the area fully settled over the following weeks.
Gum health around dental implants
Healthy, stable gum tissue matters just as much around implants as around natural teeth. As part of his implant work, Dr. Varinauskas follows Zero Bone Loss Concepts protocols — a modern surgical and prosthetic approach designed to protect the bone and soft tissue around implants long-term — and uses soft tissue grafting where needed to build strong, natural-looking gum around implant restorations.
If you have an existing implant with receding or thin gum around it, a soft tissue assessment can identify problems early, while they are simplest to treat.
Why have this done by a specialist
Soft tissue surgery is delicate work — millimetres matter, both for the health of the tooth and for how natural the result looks.
Dr. Varinauskas is one of a small number of oral surgeons on the Irish Dental Council Specialist Register, with a PhD in oral surgery and oral medicine and more than a decade of surgical experience.
As with everything at Seapoint, you’ll never be pressured into treatment. You’ll leave your consultation with a clear written plan, honest advice about your options — including doing nothing — and time to decide.
FAQ
Can receding gums grow back on their own?
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No. Once gum tissue is lost it doesn’t regenerate naturally. What we can do is stop the recession getting worse and, in suitable cases, surgically rebuild tissue to cover exposed roots.
Does gum grafting hurt?
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The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel it being carried out. Afterwards, most patients describe a few days of soreness — similar to a pizza burn if tissue is taken from the palate — managed well with ordinary pain relief.
How long does recovery take?
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Most people return to work and normal routines within a day or two. We’ll ask you to eat soft foods and avoid brushing the area for the first couple of weeks while it heals, and we’ll see you for a review to check everything is settling as it should.
How much does gum grafting cost?
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Your consultation includes a full assessment, and you’ll receive a written plan with exact costs before deciding anything.
Will my gums recede again after grafting?
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A key part of treatment is identifying and addressing what caused the recession in the first place. With the cause managed and good ongoing hygiene care, results are typically long-lasting — your surgeon will discuss what to expect in your specific case.
I’ve been told my gums are too thin for treatment elsewhere. Is it worth a second opinion?
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Often, yes. Techniques and materials in soft tissue surgery have advanced considerably, and a specialist assessment will give you a clear, honest answer about what’s possible.
Book a consultation
Worried about receding gums?
Book a consultation at Blackrock or Sandyford. You’ll get a specialist assessment, clear answers and a written plan — and the decision about what happens next will always be yours.
